Elseya papua (Merauke snapping turtle)

Elseya papua is a species of freshwater turtle native to Papua New Guinea. This turtle is part of the family Chelidae and is notable for its strong swimming abilities and aquatic lifestyle, making it well-adapted to river systems and lakes.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Chelidae
• Genus: Elseya
• Species: E. papua

Common Names

• Merauke snapping turtle
• Papuan Snapping Turtle

Identification

Description

The Elseya papua is a medium to large freshwater turtle, typically reaching up to 40 cm in shell length. It has a broad, oval-shaped carapace, usually dark brown or black, and a lighter plastron (underside). The turtle’s head is broad, with a pointed snout, and its neck is often covered in small, fleshy tubercles.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males tend to have longer tails and slightly smaller bodies compared to females, who are larger in size and have wider shells to accommodate egg production.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is found in the southern rivers and lakes of Papua New Guinea. It thrives in slow-moving freshwater systems, often in clear waters.

Preferred Habitat

Elseya papua prefers deep, slow-flowing rivers and lakes with abundant vegetation. It is primarily aquatic but may bask on submerged logs or rocks.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of plant material, insects, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates. It often forages during the day in shallow waters.

Predators

Adult turtles have few natural predators due to their size and hard shells, but eggs and juveniles may fall prey to birds, large fish, and crocodiles.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the wet season, when water levels are higher and conditions are favorable for nesting.

Reproductive Method

Females lay clutches of 10-20 eggs on sandy riverbanks. The incubation period lasts around 60-90 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Elseya papua is not currently listed as endangered, though habitat loss and human activity pose increasing threats.

Threats

The primary threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and potential over-collection for the pet trade. Climate change affecting water systems also presents risks.

Conservation Measures

Protected areas and regulations on waterway development are crucial to conserving the species. Research into population dynamics is ongoing to monitor its status.

Economic Importance

This species holds little direct economic importance but may attract interest from ecotourism or the exotic pet trade.

Interesting Facts

• The Elseya papua has a unique ability to remain submerged for long periods, thanks to specialized respiratory adaptations that allow it to absorb oxygen through its cloaca.
• It is one of the few turtles in its region that exhibits aggressive behavior when threatened, earning it the nickname “snapping turtle.”