Elseya caelatus (Australasian snapping turtle)

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Home > Turtle Database > Elseya caelatus (Australasian snapping turtle)

Credit: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1119956-Elseya-caelatus

Elseya caelatus is a freshwater turtle species known for its hard, sculpted carapace. This species is native to Australia and is often studied for its unique shell structure and ecological importance in freshwater systems.

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Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Chelidae
  • Genus: Elseya
  • Species: Elseya caelatus

Common Names

  • Australasian snapping turtle

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Identification

  • Description: Elseya caelatus is recognized by its distinct, rugged carapace with raised ridges, giving it a sculpted appearance. The carapace is dark brown to black with lighter edges, while the plastron (underbelly) is lighter, ranging from yellow to cream.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally smaller than females, with females having a broader shell. Males also possess longer and thicker tails compared to females.

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Elseya caelatus is found primarily in the freshwater rivers and streams of northern Queensland, Australia, particularly in the Gulf of Carpentaria drainage system.

Preferred Habitat

This species prefers slow-moving freshwater systems such as rivers, streams, and lagoons with abundant aquatic vegetation. They thrive in regions with soft substrates for burrowing and areas for basking.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: Elseya caelatus is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, small invertebrates, and carrion. Its diet may vary seasonally depending on food availability.
  • Predators: Juveniles and eggs are vulnerable to predation by birds, large fish, and crocodiles. Adults have fewer predators due to their size and hard shell but may still fall prey to large crocodiles.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: The breeding season typically occurs during the dry season (May to August), when water levels are lower.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay clutches of 10-20 eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies. Incubation lasts for several months, and hatchlings emerge during the rainy season when water levels rise.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Elseya caelatus is currently listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and degradation.
  • Threats: The primary threats to the species include water pollution, habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization, and predation of eggs by invasive species.
  • Conservation Measures: Conservation efforts include habitat protection, reducing water pollution, and monitoring populations to prevent further decline. Protected areas have been established to safeguard critical habitats.

Economic Importance

Elseya caelatus has limited direct economic importance, but it plays a vital ecological role in maintaining the health of freshwater ecosystems by controlling aquatic vegetation and supporting biodiversity.

Interesting Facts

  • Elseya caelatus is named for its “sculpted” appearance due to the unique ridges on its carapace, which differentiate it from other turtle species.
  • This species has adapted to survive in both fast-flowing and slow-moving waters, showcasing its ecological versatility.

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.