SAW-SHELLED TURTLE

The Saw-shelled Turtle is one of Australia’s unique freshwater turtles. It is a medium-sized turtle with a distinctive appearance. Its carapace, or shell, is typically olive to brown, often adorned with dark, radiating patterns. The edges of the shell are serrated, much like the teeth of a saw, which is how it gets its common name. The plastron, or the underside of the shell, is usually a pale yellow. Its head is relatively large, with a short, blunt snout and eyes that seem ever-watchful of its surroundings.

This turtle is native to eastern Australia, predominantly found in Queensland and New South Wales. It thrives in a variety of freshwater habitats, including rivers, streams, lagoons, and even some urban waterways. The Saw-shelled Turtle is quite adaptable, able to live in both clear and murky waters, which makes it a resilient species in the face of environmental changes.

The Saw-shelled Turtle is omnivorous, with a diet that includes aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and aquatic vegetation. It has a unique hunting strategy; it often lies in wait among submerged plants, using its excellent camouflage to ambush prey. Its strong jaws help it to crush the shells of snails and other hard-shelled prey, making it an effective hunter in its aquatic world. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Saw-shelled Turtle is its ability to consume the invasive introduced, and very poisonous Cane toad (Rhinella marina ) which is lethal to many freshwater turtles and other native Australian animals. This makes the turtle an important player in controlling the population of these pests in its habitat.

Breeding season for the Saw-shelled Turtle typically occurs in the warmer months. Females lay eggs in sandy or soft soil near water bodies. A clutch can contain anywhere from six to eighteen eggs, which hatch after an incubation period of about two to three months. In terms of longevity, these turtles can live for several decades, with some individuals reaching over 50 years in age under optimal conditions.

The Saw-shelled Turtle is relatively quiet. It does not have a wide range of vocalisations, but it can produce low-frequency sounds, especially during interactions with other turtles. These sounds are often too subtle for human ears to detect without special equipment.

While not currently endangered, the Saw-shelled Turtle faces threats from habitat loss and pollution.