Reptiles
Eastern Long-necked Turtle
Chelodina longicollis · also called eastern snake-necked turtle
In a muddy farm dam in New South Wales, an eastern long-necked turtle stretches its neck forward and snaps open its mouth, drawing in a darting tadpole.
Overview
The eastern long-necked turtle, Chelodina longicollis, is a Least Concern freshwater turtle of wetlands, creeks, and dams across eastern Australia. Its extraordinary neck, suction feeding, and overland journeys make it one of the most distinctive turtles in the world.
A turtle that bends its neck sideways
Instead of retracting its head straight back, the long-necked turtle folds its neck sideways under the edge of its shell, a trait shared by the side-necked turtles of the Southern Hemisphere.
Status
Least Concern, though decreasing in some areas.
Eastern Long-necked Turtle: common questions
Why is it called the long-necked turtle?
It is named for its neck, which is almost as long as its shell and is folded sideways into the shell for protection.
Why does it smell?
When handled, it releases a foul-smelling fluid from glands near its legs, as a defence.
Does it travel overland?
Yes, it often walks overland between ponds and swamps, especially after rain or in dry spells.
Where is the eastern long-necked turtle found?
It lives in wetlands, creeks, and dams across eastern Australia.