Emydura macquarii (Murray River Turtle)

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Home > Turtle Database > Emydura macquarii (Murray River Turtle)

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emydura_macquarii

Emydura macquarii, commonly known as the Macquarie River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to Australia. This species is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it one of the most widespread turtles in southeastern Australia.

Native To These Regions

New South Wales (Australia), Queensland (Australia), South Australia (Australia), Victoria (Australia)

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

  • Macquarie River Turtle
  • Murray River Turtle
  • Eastern Short-Necked Turtle

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Identification

Description

Emydura macquarii is easily recognized by its short neck and smooth, streamlined shell, which can vary from olive to brownish in color. The plastron (underside) is typically yellow with dark margins on the scutes. They have a broad, rounded head with dark markings and bright red or orange patches along the neck and face.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are generally smaller than females, with longer tails and concave plastrons. Females tend to have a broader, more domed shell and a shorter tail.

Check more turtles from the Emydura genus

Emydura victoriae (Victoria River Red-faced Turtle)

Emydura tanybaraga (Northern yellow-faced turtle)

Emydura subglobosa (red-bellied short-necked turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

The Macquarie River Turtle is predominantly found in the Murray-Darling Basin, including rivers such as the Macquarie and Lachlan in New South Wales and parts of Victoria and South Australia.

Preferred Habitat

This species thrives in slow-moving rivers, lakes, and ponds with ample aquatic vegetation. They prefer habitats with muddy or sandy bottoms where they can forage and bask on nearby rocks or logs.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Emydura macquarii is omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of aquatic plants, invertebrates, small fish, and carrion. They are opportunistic feeders and may also consume algae.

Predators

Young turtles and eggs are often preyed upon by birds, large fish, and mammals, while adult turtles have few natural predators, apart from occasional attacks by larger predatory birds or introduced species like foxes.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Mating occurs in the spring and early summer months, with nesting typically taking place from October to January.

Reproductive Method

Females lay clutches of 10–20 eggs in sandy riverbanks. Incubation lasts around 60–80 days, depending on environmental conditions, after which hatchlings emerge and make their way to the water.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Emydura macquarii is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, due to its wide distribution and stable population.

Threats

The species faces threats from habitat destruction, water pollution, and predation of eggs and hatchlings by invasive species such as foxes and rats.

Conservation Measures

Conservation efforts include habitat protection and management, control of invasive predators, and monitoring of populations in heavily impacted areas.

Economic Importance

As a popular species in the pet trade, Emydura macquarii contributes to the global aquarium industry. However, strict regulations are in place to control its capture and trade.

Interesting Facts

  • The species can tolerate highly variable water conditions, making it one of the hardier turtle species in its range.
  • Emydura macquarii has been known to live up to 50 years in captivity.
  • Their bright neck patches may help them recognize individuals of their own species, particularly during mating season.

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.