Emydura australis (Northern red-faced turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

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Emydura australis, commonly known as the Northern red-faced turtle, is a freshwater species native to northern Australia. This turtle is known for its distinctive yellow markings on the face and a streamlined body that aids its aquatic lifestyle.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Chelidae
  • Genus: Emydura
  • Species: Emydura australis

Common Names

  • Northern red-faced turtle

Identification

Description:
Emydura australis is characterized by a medium-sized, slightly domed shell, typically brown or olive in color. Its most notable feature is the yellow stripe running from the nostrils to the back of the eyes, giving it the “yellow-faced” name. The plastron (underside) is usually pale cream or yellowish.

Sexual Dimorphism:
Males tend to have longer tails and slightly larger claws than females. Females, however, grow larger in overall body size, particularly during breeding seasons.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range:
This species is native to the rivers, lakes, and swamps of northern Australia, primarily found in the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia.

Preferred Habitat

Emydura australis thrives in freshwater environments, including slow-moving rivers, lakes, and billabongs. It prefers habitats with abundant aquatic vegetation and sandy or muddy bottoms.

Behavior

Feeding Habits:
The Northern Yellow-faced Turtle is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and crustaceans. It forages primarily in the water.

Predators:
Juvenile turtles face predation from birds, large fish, and crocodiles, while adult turtles are primarily threatened by humans and larger predators like crocodiles.

Reproduction

Breeding Season:
Breeding typically occurs during the dry season, from July to September, when water levels are lower.

Reproductive Method:
Females lay clutches of eggs on sandy riverbanks. After an incubation period of about 60-90 days, hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water.

Conservation

Extinction Status:
The species is currently listed as Least Concern.

Threats:
Habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, water pollution, and illegal pet trade pose significant threats to this species.

Conservation Measures:
Conservation efforts include habitat protection, monitoring of wild populations, and regulations on the pet trade to prevent over-collection.

Economic Importance

Emydura australis is occasionally kept in the pet trade, but it has limited direct economic impact beyond its role in local ecosystems, where it helps control aquatic vegetation and small prey populations.

Interesting Facts

  • Emydura australis can retract its head sideways, a characteristic feature of the family Chelidae.
  • These turtles are known for their strong homing instinct, often returning to their home waterbody even after being displaced.

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.