Southern Snapping Turtle
Elseya albagula
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 7/11/2014
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Not Listed
Listed since:
Population trend:
Other names: White-throated Snapping Turtle
Priority species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Southern Snapping Turtle is on of the largest short-necked freshwater turtles in Australia and is only found in the Fitzroy, Mary and Burnett Rivers in Queensland. The Southern Snapping Turtle is recognised as a habitat specialist within the river system they prefer clear, flowing, well-oxygenated waters. This preference appears to be associated with their physiological adaption to extract oxygen from water via cloacal respiration.
Threats
The principal threat to the Southern Snapping Turtles is the excessive (near total) loss of eggs and hatchlings at the aggregated nesting areas in the Fitzroy, Burnett and Mary Catchments. Principal predators are foxes, pigs, cats and native water rat. Trampling of nests by cattle is also a threat.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
Unknown
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database