Chelodina expansa (Broad-shelled river turtle)

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Credit: Wikipedia

Chelodina expansa, commonly known as the Broad-Shelled Turtle, is a fascinating aquatic species. It is known for its unusually broad and flattened shell, which distinguishes it from other turtles.

Native To These Regions

New South Wales (Australia), Queensland (Australia), South Australia (Australia), Victoria (Australia)

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Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Chelidae
  • Genus: Chelodina
  • Species: C. expansa

Common Names

  • Broad-shelled river turtle
  • Broad-shelled snake-necked turtle

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Identification

  • Description: This species has a large, broad, and flattened carapace that can reach up to 50 cm in length. It has a distinctive long and flexible neck.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males generally have a thicker, longer tail and are slightly smaller than females.

Check more turtles from the Chelodina genus

Chelodina walloyarrina (Walloyarrina Snake-necked Turtle)

Chelodina steindachneri (Steindachner’s Turtle)

Chelodina reimanni (Reimann’s Snake-necked Turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to southeastern Australia, primarily found in New South Wales and Queensland.

Preferred Habitat

Chelodina expansa is predominantly aquatic, favoring slow-moving waters such as swamps, rivers, and lakes with soft, muddy bottoms

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: This turtle is carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
  • Predators: Eggs and juveniles are vulnerable to birds, foxes, and large fish.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: Breeding occurs from spring to early summer.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay between 10 and 16 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Currently listed as Least Concern, but local populations may be threatened.
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbances are major threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Protected areas and legal protection under local wildlife conservation laws help mitigate some threats.

Economic Importance

This turtle is occasionally involved in the pet trade, but it is more significant as an indicator of healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Interesting Facts

Chelodina expansa can extend its neck to the length of its shell, a unique adaptation that allows it to strike at prey suddenly and with surprising reach.

Research Studies

For more detailed scientific insights into Chelodina expansa, you can refer to the following research paper: Observations on the Diet of the Broad-Shelled Turtle, Chelodina Expansa Gray (Testudines: Chelidae)

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.