Latest Chelidae Stories
Brett Smith for Redorbit.com Florida paleontologists digging in a northern Colombia coal mine have discovered the remains of a giant turtle so big it was capable of snacking on ancient alligators, according to a new report in the online version of the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. The 60-million-year-old reptile, dubbed Carbonemys cofrinii or “coal turtle,” is considered to be part of a family of freshwater turtles called pelomedusidae. These turtles are also referred to a...
Researchers have discovered the population of pig-nosed turtles has declined over the past 30 years. The turtles have become an international conservation icon, due to it having no close relatives and being considered the turtle most adapted to life underwater in freshwater ponds and rivers. The reptile faces a threat in Papua New Guinea because of a high demand for its eggs. "Pig-nosed turtles are considered unique and unusual among freshwater species of turtles in many facets of...
Latest Chelidae Reference Libraries
The Mata mata, Chelus fimbriatus, is a turtle native to South America. Once one has seen a mata mata, it is unlikely to ever be confused with any other turtle. It is truly a one-of-a-kind species. The name mata mata is derived and translated from the Spanish term "it kills, it kills". The carapace is oblong and black or brown, and is about 17.5 inches long. The head is very distinctive, triangular, large, extremely flattened. There are numerous tubercles and flaps of skin. The snout is...
The Common Snake-neck Turtle, Chelodina longicollis, also known as the Eastern long-neck turtle, is found in the inland slow-moving freshwater habitats of eastern Australia. They prefer waters with a soft, sandy bottom and will bask on logs or rocks during daylight hours. Their neck is extremely long and sometimes can be as long as its shell. The carapace (shell) is flattened, broad, and brown with black-edged scales. There are distinctive black lines on the underside plates. Its powerful...
