Acanthochelys pallidipectoris (Chaco Side-Necked Turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Acanthochelys pallidipectoris (Chaco Side-Necked Turtle)
Acanthochelys pallidipectoris is a lesser-known species of turtle that falls under the scientific classification of the Chelidae family. Here’s a detailed description based on the structure you provided:
Native To These Regions
Bolivia, Chaco (Argentina), Formosa (Argentina), Paraguay, Salta (Argentina), Santiago del Estero (Argentina)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Chelidae
- Genus: Acanthochelys
- Species: A. pallidipectoris
Common Names
- Chaco Side-necked Turtle
- Pale-breasted Snake-necked Turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description
Acanthochelys pallidipectoris has a relatively small, dark brown carapace and a lighter plastron. It is distinguished by its long, snake-like neck which is shorter than the shell but substantial in length compared to other turtles.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males typically have a more concave plastron and longer, thicker tails compared to females.
Check more turtles from the Acanthochelys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is native to South America, predominantly found in the Gran Chaco region of Argentina, Paraguay, and possibly Bolivia.
Preferred Habitat
Acanthochelys pallidipectoris favors swampy areas, slow-moving streams, and temporary ponds where it can easily forage and hide.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is largely carnivorous, preying on small aquatic animals, including insects, fish, and amphibians.
Predators
Natural predators include larger fish, birds, and mammals that can access their aquatic habitats.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when water levels are higher.
Reproductive Method
The species is oviparous, with females laying eggs on land in nests they dig near water bodies.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation.
Threats
Major threats include deforestation for agriculture, pollution, and the pet trade.
Conservation Measures
Efforts include habitat preservation, legal protection, and raising awareness about the species in local communities.
Economic Importance
Limited economic importance to humans, though it may play a role in ecotourism and educational programs focused on local biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
- This turtle can extend its neck sideways, rather than pulling it directly back into its shell as many other turtles do.
- It is one of the lesser-studied turtle species, contributing to its mystique and the lack of detailed information about its behavior and ecology.
Research Studies
Studies on Acanthochelys pallidipectoris are relatively rare but focus on aspects like habitat usage, dietary habits, and reproductive biology to inform conservation strategies.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
