Oblong turtle
species of reptile
The oblong turtle (Chelodina oblonga), also known commonly as the narrow-breasted snake-necked turtle, southwestern snake-necked turtle, (western) long-neck(ed) turtle, and as yaakan or booyi in Noongar language, is a species of turtle in the family Chelidae. The species is endemic to the southwestern part of Western Australia.
The species has been successfully bred in captivity in Cologne Zoological Garden, and the estimated life span is 30-40 years.
While all turtles are popularly believed to be mute, the oblong turtle is known to have a wide range of vocalizations.
Description
Oblong turtles usually have a carapace length of under 30 cm, but have been recorded with a carapace length of up to 40 cm. Hatchlings will have a carapace length of 30 mm.
Distribution and habitat
The natural distribution of the oblong turtle is southwestern Australia, from the Fitzgerald River National Park in the south-eastern edge of the distribution, up to Jurien Bay (Hill River) in the north. There is also a suspected introduced population around Geraldton, another 170 km north of Jurien Bay.
The oblong turtle lives in a wide range of freshwater habitats, including wetlands, lakes and rivers. They are known to be capable of living in urban and agricultural environments, such as urban lakes and dams.
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