EASTERN LONG-NECKED TURTLE

Imagine a creature with a shell that resembles a dark, oval shield, often adorned with a pattern of fine lines or spots. This turtle’s most distinctive feature, however, is its remarkably long neck, which can stretch out to nearly the length of its shell. Its neck is slender and flexible, allowing it to reach out swiftly to catch prey. Unlike some other turtles, they cannot pull their heads straight back into their shells. Instead, they tuck their necks sideways under the edge of their shell for protection. The turtle’s skin is typically grey to brown, complementing its earthy, camouflaged shell.

This turtle is quite adaptable and can be found in a range of freshwater environments across eastern Australia, from Queensland down to Victoria and South Australia. It thrives in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lagoons, where it can often be seen basking on logs or rocks, soaking up the sun.

The breeding season for the Eastern long-necked turtle usually occurs in the warmer months, from September to January. Females lay their eggs in sandy or soft soil, usually near water bodies. They can lay anywhere from 4 to 20 eggs at a time, which incubate for several months before hatching. The hatchlings emerge in the warmth of late summer or early autumn, ready to make their way to the water.

These turtles are carnivorous, with a diet that mainly consists of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and tadpoles. They are skilled hunters, using their long necks to strike quickly at unsuspecting prey. Their method of feeding is quite unique; they create a vacuum by quickly retracting their neck, drawing water and prey into their mouths. When threatened, these turtles can emit a foul-smelling liquid from their musk glands, deterring predators. This has earned them the nickname “stinker” among locals.

Eastern long-necked turtles can live for several decades, with some individuals reaching up to 50 years of age in the wild. Their longevity is a testament to their adaptability and resilience in their natural habitat.

As both predator and prey, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their aquatic ecosystems.