Irwin ’ s Turtle , Yellow-headed Snapping Turtle Elseya irwini
What do they look like ? Irwin ’ s Turtle is a medium-sized snapping turtle , whose shell can be up to 30 cm long . It has a short neck and pale , white-pinkish head , the facial colouring making it look as though it ’ s wearing a pale mask . Snapping turtles , including Irwin ’ s Turtle , differ from other short necked turtles in having two large , fleshy barbels under the chin .
Where do they live ? Irwin ’ s Turtles live in clear , though often turbulent parts of the Burdekin River and its various tributaries . They are most common below rapids .
What do they need to live , eat and breed ? Irwin ’ s Turtles feeds on aquatic invertebrates and may take water plants and the fruit of land plants . They nest in friable soil along riverbanks . They are one of a few species of turtles known to ‘ bum-breathe ’ - take in oxygen through the rear end . This may explain why they are most common in the more oxygenated water found below rapids .
When might I see ( or hear ) them ? Irwin ’ s Turtles are not common , but are most likely to be seen when they bask on logs or rocks in the sun on cooler mornings .
What management actions affect this species ? Irwin ’ s Turtles are unlikely to survive in silted water and are vulnerable to predation by pigs and foxes , particularly when nesting . Maintain ground cover and vigorous native pastures across the catchment to avoid sediment movement and siltation of river channels . Riverbanks are special areas for Irwin ’ s Turtle , so maintain healthy , native riparian vegetation which works as a silt trap and provides food for the turtle . Control introduced riverbank weeds and feral predators and avoid disturbing riverbanks with machinery where nests may occur .
How do they benefit the land I manage ? Presence of Irwin ’ s Turtles is an indicator of good river water quality . Low silt levels and adequate aeration are also important for fish stocks and the health of down-stream environments , including the Great Barrier Reef .
Similar species : Long-necked turtles ( Chelodina spp .), other short-necked turtles ( Emydura and Elseya spp .)
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