Archive for the ‘Australian Turtles’ Category
Posted on June 29, 2010 - by admin
Caring For Australian Freshwater Turtles in Captivity
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Freshwater Turtles: An Introduction
Turtles are one of the most appealing animals of the reptile kingdom. There are no “effort free” animals to keep as pets, and freshwater turtles are no exception. Along with the pleasure of owning a turtle comes the responsibility to provide the best possible care for it that you can. Their survival is in your hands! If basic guidelines are followed, then your turtle should thrive in captivity and may even breed for you. Freshwater turtles are renowned for their longevity and provided your pet remains healthy, may live thirty to seventy-five years in your care. This point should be taken into consideration before purchasing freshwater turtles to begin with. You may be choosing a friend for life!
Most Australian freshwater turtles are very timid and shy, but within time will loose their fear and become accustomed to you and will recognise where their food comes from. There are many stories of keepers being amused while watching freshwater turtles in their aquatic enclosures, and some go as far to say that they each freshwater turtles have their own recognizable personalities. (more…)
Posted on June 18, 2010 - by admin
Turtle, Tortoise, or Terrapin?
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
What is the difference between a Turtle, a Tortoise, and a Terrapin?
The main difference is based on physiology. Tortoises are terrestrial (land dwelling) and possess thick legs and toes and require water for drinking only. There are no tortoises indigenous to Australia.
Posted on June 8, 2010 - by admin
A Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Turtles
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Keeping Turtles: An Introduction
A decade ago or more, except for a handful of pioneering enthusiasts, genuine breeders were virtually non-existent. Their patience, improved husbandry techniques and record keeping has paid off. Many of the commonly encountered problems are rarely seen today, and captive breeding is a regular event on the calendar. Today we are able to enjoy the determination and achievements of past and present enthusiasts, with freshwater turtles being one of the more commonly encountered reptiles maintained in private collections throughout Australia. Given a few simple requirements, freshwater turtles are easy to maintain in captivity and require less time and space than other animals such as cats and dogs. Because turtles are less demanding than other companion animals, parents find them a great learning tool for children. Kids love turtles, and the responsibility of owning a turtle prepares them for life’s greater responsibilities. (more…)
Posted on May 28, 2010 - by admin
Painted Turtle
Emydura subglobosa and the Painted Turtle
The bright red underside of this turtle gives it its common name. This colour fades as the animal grows, but still remains in adults as a reddish tinge. In Australia, painted turtles are found only in the Jardine River system at the top of the Cape York Peninsula. Because of this extremely limited distribution, the painted turtle is classed as rare in Australia. They are, however, widespread in Papua New Guinea. (more…)
Posted on May 27, 2010 - by admin
Mary River Turtle
DISPLAYS THE IMAGE URL SPECIFIED IN THE CUSTOM FIELD
Elusor macrurus or the Mary River Turtle
This distinctive species of freshwater turtle was only described by scientists in 1994 from the Mary River in the hinterland north of the Brisbane region. As a fully grown adult it is probably our largest freshwater turtle, making it even more intriguing that it escaped notice by scientists for so long. The species was in fact known from hatchlings, which were sold in pet shops as ‘penny turtles’. It was through this that the Mary River Turtle species came to the attention of Sydney turtle researcher John Cann. During a period spanning more than 20 years he tried to trace the source of the baby turtles that were being sent to the pet shops. (more…)
Posted on May 26, 2010 - by admin
Pig-nosed Turtle
Carettochelys insculpta or the Pig-nosed Turtle
A fascinating creature to behold, the pig-nosed turtle is found only in Papua New Guinea and the Northern Territory. It was described in New Guinea about 110 years ago, but wasn’t reported from Australia until about 1970. Their pig-like nose is used as a snorkel during the dry season, when rivers become small mud puddles. The pig-nosed turtle can have its body buried in the mud, with just the end of its nose exposed to breathe with. As adults, they can have a shell length of about 75 cm. (more…)
