Chelodina kurrichalpongo (Kurrichalpongo Snake-necked Turtle)

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Chelodina Kurrichalpongo, also known as the Kurrichalpongo Snake-necked Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to Australia. It is known for its elongated neck, which can be as long as its shell.

Other related species

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Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

  • Kurrichalpongo Snake-necked Turtle
  • Darwin snake-necked turtle

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Identification

Description

Chelodina Kurrichalpongo has a distinctive long neck that it uses to catch prey. Its carapace is usually dark brown or black, while the plastron is lighter in color. The shell is moderately domed and smooth.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males tend to have longer tails and more concave plastrons compared to females. Females are generally larger in overall body size.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is found primarily in the Arnhem Land region in the Northern Territory of Australia. It inhabits freshwater environments such as rivers, swamps, and billabongs.

Preferred Habitat

Chelodina Kurrichalpongo prefers slow-moving or still freshwater habitats with abundant vegetation. It often hides among submerged plants and logs.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

This species is carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and aquatic invertebrates. It uses its long neck to strike at prey swiftly.

Predators

Predators of Chelodina Kurrichalpongo include birds of prey, larger reptiles, and feral animals such as pigs and dogs.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

The breeding season typically occurs during the wet season, from November to April.

Reproductive Method

Females lay clutches of eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies. The eggs incubate for several months before hatching.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Chelodina Kurrichalpongo is currently not listed as endangered, but it is considered to be of least concern due to its limited range and specific habitat requirements.

Threats

Major threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and predation by introduced species.

Conservation Measures

Conservation measures include habitat protection, pollution control, and monitoring of population trends.

Economic Importance

This species has limited economic importance but plays a role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and contributing to the biodiversity of freshwater habitats.

Interesting Facts

  • Chelodina Kurrichalpongo’s long neck allows it to breathe while remaining submerged.
  • It can withdraw its neck sideways into its shell, unlike most turtles that retract their necks straight back.

Research Studies

A review of Chelonian type specimens (order Testudines)

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.