#side neck turtle

[herpsandbirds]

Orinoco Matamata (Chelus orinocensis), family Chelidae, found in northern South America in the Orinoco, upper Rio Negro–Branco and Essequibo basins, and in Trinidad.

First described as a distinct species in 2020.

photographs: Vargas-Ramirez et al., RatioTile

[herpsandbirds]

Krefft’s Turtle (Emydura krefftii), family Chelidae, QLD, Australia

Some herpetologists still consider this turtle to be a subspecies of the Eastern Short-necked Turtle (E. macquarii).

photograph by Mick Fullerton

[typhlonectes]

Turtles spotted mating bring hope for endangered species

Conservation efforts are proving successful for a group of endangered turtles.

ELLINGER RIVER SNAPPING TURTLES have been seen mating in their new home at Sydney's Taronga Zoo, giving hope to researchers working to save the critically endangered species.

“There are very few mature turtles remaining in the wild, so this group at Taronga has a vital role to play in rebuilding the population,” said keeper Adam Skidmore.

Taronga vets will conduct ultrasounds on the turtles later this month to see if the females are carrying eggs.

“We’re optimistic that we can establish a successful breeding group here to ultimately raise and release hatchlings back into the Bellinger River,” said Adam...