Chelodina walloyarrina (Walloyarrina Snake-necked Turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

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Credit: https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/37731728

Native To These Regions

Northern Territory (Australia)

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Chelodina walloyarrina

Chelodina walloyarrina, commonly known as the Kimberley long-necked turtle, is a freshwater species native to Australia. Known for its distinctive elongated neck, this turtle is a remarkable example of adaptation to its environment.

Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

  • Walloyarrina Snake-necked Turtle
  • Kimberley long neck turtle
  • Kimberley snake-necked turtle

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Identification

Description

C. walloyarrina features an exceptionally long neck that can be nearly as long as its shell. The carapace is usually dark brown to black, with a slightly oval shape. The plastron is lighter, often yellowish with dark splotches. This species has webbed feet suited for swimming.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are generally larger than males, with broader carapaces. Males have a longer tail, which is a key distinguishing feature.

Check more turtles from the Chelodina genus

Chelodina steindachneri (Steindachner’s Turtle)

Chelodina reimanni (Reimann’s Snake-necked Turtle)

Chelodina pritchardi (Pritchard’s Snake-necked Turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is primarily found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It inhabits freshwater systems such as rivers, swamps, and billabongs within this range.

Preferred Habitat

C. walloyarrina thrives in slow-moving or still freshwater environments. These turtles prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and muddy bottoms, which provide both food and cover.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

The Kimberley long-necked turtle is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of aquatic organisms, including insects, small fish, and plant material. It uses its long neck to strike at prey quickly.

Predators

Natural predators include birds of prey, large fish, and occasionally other reptiles. The eggs and juveniles are particularly vulnerable to predation.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from November to March.

Reproductive Method

Females lay clutches of eggs in sandy or muddy banks. The eggs incubate for several months before hatching, with temperature influencing the sex of the offspring.

Conservation

Extinction Status

C. walloyarrina is currently not listed as endangered, but its populations are subject to monitoring due to habitat changes.

Threats

The primary threats to this species include habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, pollution, and climate change.

Conservation Measures

Conservation efforts include habitat protection and management, as well as monitoring population trends to prevent decline.

Economic Importance

C. walloyarrina has minimal direct economic importance but contributes to the biodiversity of the freshwater ecosystems where it lives, playing a role in maintaining ecological balance.

Interesting Facts

  • The Kimberley long-necked turtle can retract its neck sideways into its shell, unlike many other turtles that pull their necks straight back.
  • This species is part of the snake-necked turtle group, known for their unique and highly flexible necks.

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.