KREFFT'S TURTLE

Krefft’s Turtle, also known as Short-necked turtle, is a medium-sized turtle, with a shell length that can reach up to 30 centimetres. Its shell, or carapace, is typically olive to brown in colour, often with darker edges, creating a striking appearance. The underside, known as the plastron, is usually a creamy yellow, providing a lovely contrast. It is the only species of freshwater turtle east of the Great Dividing Range that has facial stripes, which are bright to pale yellow in colour and extend back from the eye to the ear.

These turtles are primarily found in the rivers and streams of eastern Queensland and Northern New South Wales. They prefer slow-moving or still waters, such as lagoons and billabongs, where they can bask and forage with ease.

Krefft’s Turtles can live for several decades, with a lifespan often ranging from 20 to 50 years in the wild. Their longevity depends on factors like environmental conditions and availability of food. They are excellent swimmers and can stay submerged for long periods, thanks to their ability to absorb oxygen through their skin and lining of their throat.

Krefft’s Turtles are omnivorous, meaning they enjoy a varied diet. They feed on aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and carrion. Their diet helps maintain the health of their aquatic ecosystems by controlling insect populations and cleaning up dead matter.

Breeding season for Krefft’s Turtles typically occurs in spring and early summer. Females lay clutches of eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies. The eggs are white, hard-shelled, and measure around 33 x 21mm and weigh approximately 7g. The eggs incubate for from 45-74 days at temperatures ranging from 18-30°C, with hatchlings emerging in the warmer months. These young turtles are independent from birth, instinctively making their way to the water.

Like many turtles, Krefft’s Turtles are generally silent creatures. However, they can produce sounds, such as hissing or grunting, particularly when threatened or mating.

For Indigenous communities in Australia, turtles, including Krefft’s Turtle, hold cultural significance. They are often featured in traditional stories and art, symbolising various aspects of life and the environment. These turtles are respected as part of the intricate web of life that sustains the land.

Currently, Krefft’s Turtle is not listed as endangered, but it faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and predation by introduced species like foxes and feral pigs.

The species is named after Gerard Krefft, a prominent 19th-century German-Australian zoologist who contributed significantly to the study of Australian wildlife.