What Kind of Habitat Do Snake-necked Turtles Live In?
Snake-necked turtles are one of the many organisms endemic exclusively to Australia and the surrounding Pacific islands. They are related to many other freshwater turtles, spending their time living and feeding in streams, rivers and other bodies of water. Their anatomy is well-adapted for these kinds of habitats.
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Snake-necked Turtle
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The snake-necked turtle isn't just one species. Instead, the name refers to a taxonomic genus called Chelodina, and it contains a number of varied species that are all slightly different from one another. Its name derives from the long slender neck which can bend to the side rather than pull back directly into the shell. Long-necked turtle is also a common name.
Regions
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According to the Australian Reptile Park, snake-necked turtles inhabit the region of Oceania, including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the surrounding islands. The common (or eastern) snake-necked turtle inhabits Queensland and most of eastern Australia. Other species instead live along the northern and western regions of Australia.
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Freshwater
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The snake-necked turtle is a freshwater animal. It has webbed feet that allow it to swim in water and walk on land. These kinds of turtles are known as terrapins, whereas true aquatic turtles have fins and spend almost all their lives in the sea. But in Australian English, all terrestrial turtles, even semi-aquatic ones, are known as tortoises. These differences in phrasing can lead to confusion.
Habitat
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The major habitat of the snake-necked turtle includes just about any slow-moving body of water such as farm dams, swamps and large rivers or lakes. It has a strong preference for the soft, sandy bottom of freshwater areas and likes to bask on logs or rocks during the day.
Behavior
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Snake-necked turtles do most of their feeding in or near their freshwater homes (frogs, fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic or semi-aquatic animals are all part of their diet). The females lay their eggs on the bank of the aquatic habitat, where the young will hatch and become immediately acclimated to the same environment.
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