Introduction

A family of aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, containing about 55 species in 15 genera, of which 7 genera and 32 species are endemic to Australia, New Guinea, Timor and Roti. The remaining members of the family are restricted to South America, and fossil forms are not known outside their current range. As such, they are of undisputed Gondwanan origin. Pleurodirous (head and neck withdraw sideways into shell); carapace and plastron rigid (plastron mildly kinetic in Pseudemydura umbrina, overlaid by distinct epidermal scutes; mesoplastral bones absent; forelimbs and hindlimbs with distinct ankle-joints (not paddle-shaped) and four or five claws on distinct webbed feet. [Description from Georges & Thomson 2010]

Diagnosis

Characterised in Australia by: limbs jointed, not paddle-shaped, with 4- or 5-clawed, webbed feet; barbels well developed in most species; pleurodirous.

ID Keys

Key to Chelid Genera from Georges & Thomson 2010

1 - Forelimbs each with five claws; gular scutes separated by the intergular; intergular scute in broad contact with the anterior margin of the plastron -.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2
- Forelimbs each with four claws; gular scutes in contact; intergular scute not in broad contact with the anterior margin of the plastron -..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Chelodina
2 - Intergular scute not in contact with the pectoral scutes -
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
- Intergular scute contacts and partly separates the pectoral scutes -
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................Pseudemydura
3 - Suture between the second and third costal scutes contacting the seventh marginal scute; suture between the third and fourth costal scutes contacting the ninth marginal scute -
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
- Suture between the second and third costal scutes contacting the sixth marginal scute; suture between the third and fourth costal scutes contacting the eighth marginal scute -.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Rheodytes

4 - Surface of the temporal region smooth, sometimes broken into regular scales of low relief; dorsal surface of the head with a prominent head shield which may be entire or fragmented; cervical scute present or absent -.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
- Skin of the temporal region smooth, sometimes broken into regular scales of low relief; dorsal surface of head without a prominent head shield; cervical scute present (except as a rare variant) - ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Emydura

5 - Precloacal tail length greater than postcloacal length only in adult males; tail round in cross section; cloacal orifice round; tail always shorter than half of carapace length -.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
- Tail distinctive and large; precloacal length greater than postcloacal length at all ages in both sexes; tail laterally compressed; cloacal orifice a longitudinal slit; tail up to 53% of carapace length in adult males -........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Elusor

6 - Prominent alveolar ridge on the triturating surfaces of the mouth; cervical scute absent (except as a rare variant); no prominent process of the head shield extending down the parietal ridge toward the tympanum - ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Elseya
- Alveolar ridge absent; cervical scute absent in Australian species (except as a rare variant), present in New Guinea species (except as a rare variant); posterior process of the head shield extends laterally down the parietal ridge toward the tympanum - .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Myuchelys

Diagnosis References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [12-13]

General References

Cann, J. 1978. Tortoises of Australia. Sydney : Angus & Robertson 79 pp.

Cogger, H.G. 1979. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney : A.H. & A.W. Reed 608 pp.

Fritz, U. & Havas, P. 2007. Checklist of Chelonians of the World. Vertebrate Zoology 57(2): 149-368 (checklist of world chelonians)

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [12-13]

Goode, J. 1967. Freshwater Tortoises of Australia and New Guinea. Melbourne : Landsdowne Press x 154 pp.

Le, M., Reid, B.N., McCord, W.P., Naro-Maciel, E., Raxworthy, C.J., Amato, G. & Georges, A. 2013. Resolving the phylogenetic history of the short-necked turtles, genera Elseya and Myuchelys (Testudines: Chelidae) from Australia and New Guinea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 68: 251–258 (use the name Myuchelys, not Wollumbinia)

Wermuth, H. & Mertens, R. 1961. Schildkröten, Krokodile, Brückenechsen. Jena : Gustav Fischer 422 pp.

Wermuth, H. & Mertens, R. 1977. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien; Testudines, Crocodylia, Rhynchocephalia. Das Tierreich 100: i-xxvii, 1-174

History of changes

Taxonomic Decision for Subgeneric Arrangement

• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [13]
• Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437 [429-432]

Excluded Taxa

Misidentifications

CHELIDAE: Chelodina novaeguineae Boulenger, 1888

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

New Guinea (southern New Guinea).

IBRA

ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT) ; ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP) ; NT, Qld: Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Sturt Plateau (STU) ; NT, Qld, WA: Central Arnhem (CA), Victoria Bonaparte (VB) ; NT, WA: Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Kimberley (CK), Northern Kimberley (NK) ; Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Pine Creek (PCK), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW) ; WA: Carnarvon (CAR), Gascoyne (GAS), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Jarrah Forest (JF), Murchison (MUR), Pilbara (PIL), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR), Yalgoo (YAL)

Other Regions

Torres Strait Islands terrestrial, marine & freshwater

ID Keys

Key to subgenera and species from Georges & Thomson 2010

1. Plastron broad, covering or almost covering the anterior orifice of the shell in ventral view; intergular scute approximately twice as long as the suture between the pectoral scutes; length of head and neck equal or slightly less than length of the carapace; dorsum of neck with many blunt conical tubercules; fluid with a pungent odour secreted from ducts in the inguinal and axillary pockets when distressed -......................................................................................................................................................................subgenus Chelodina.............................2
-. Plastron narrow, covering only about half the anterior orifice of the shell in ventral view; intergular scute approximately the same length as or shorter than the suture between the pectoral scutes; head and neck longer than the carapace; dorsum of neck lacking obvious tubercules; fluid from ducts in the inguinal and auxillary pockets if with noticeable odour, not pungent -
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
2 - Expanded anterior lobe of the plastron moderate, not completely covering the anterior orifice of the shell in ventral view; sutures of plastron not edged in black, or at most narrowly edged with black; posterior marginal scutes not elevated medially to accommodate the tail - ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................3
-. Expanded anterior lobe of the plastron very broad, covering the anterior orifice of the shell in ventral view; sutures of the cream or yellow plastron broadly edged with black; posterior marginal scutes elevated medially to accommodate the tail -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................longicollis
3 - Carapace strongly convex, distinctly oval in outline -
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
-. Carapace very flat, almost circular in outline -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................steindachneri
4 - First and second marginal scutes approximately equal in size -
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
-. Second marginal scute distinctly larger than the first -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................mccordi
5 - Jaws and assocaited triturating surfaces robust -
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
-. Jaws and associated triturating surfaces petite (as in C. longicollis) -
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................pritchardi
6 - Head moderate, without distinct convexity to the dorsum of the head -
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
-. Head robust, disproportionately large, with distinct convexity of the dorsum of the head -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................reimanni
7 - Northern Australia -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................canni
-. New Guinea -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................novaeguinea
8 - Carapace approximately oval; plastron of moderate length; less than twice as long as its width measured anterior to the bridge -
............................................................................................................................................................................subgenus Macrochelodina...........9
-. Carapace very narrow, plastron long, narrow, more than twice as long as its width measured anterior to the bridge - ............................................................................................................................................................................subgenus Macrodiremys.....colliei
9 - Ventral surface of the cervical scute longer than wide, or length and width approximately equal -
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
-. Ventral surface of the cervical scute much shorter than it is wide -
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
10 - Distinct white patch immediately above and behind the tympanum, with or without dark blotches; ventral surface of the cerival scute longer than wide -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................parkeri
-. No distinctive white patches on the head; length and width of the ventral surface of the cerival scute approximately equal -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................expansa
11 - Width of head moderate, not dramatically wider than the neck; two barbels on the chin, if present -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................rugosa
-. Head very broad, dramatically wider than the neck, multiple prominent barbels forming a linear series on each mandible -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................burrungandjii

Diagnosis References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [14]

History of changes

• Chelodina Fitzinger, L.J. 1826. Neue Classification der Reptilien nach ihren naturlichen Verwandtschaften. Vienna : Heubner 66 pp. [6].

  Type species:

   Emys longicollis Shaw, 1794 (=Testudo longicollis Shaw, 1794) by original designation.
• Hydraspis Bell, T. 1828. On Hydraspis, a new genus of freshwater tortoises, of the family Emydidae. Zoological Journal London 3: 511-513 [512].

  Type species:

   Testudo longicollis Shaw, 1794 by original designation.
• Chelyodina Agassiz, L. 1846. Nomenclatoris Zoologici Index Universalis, continens nomina systematica classium, ordinum, familiarum et generum animalium omnium, tam viventium quam fossilium, secundum ordinem alphabeticum unicum disposita, adjectis homonymiis plantarum, nec non variis adnotationibus et emendationibus. Soloduri [= Solothurn, Switzerland] : Jent & Gassmann viii 393 pp. [published between 1846–1848] [79] [emend. for Chelodina Fitzinger, 1826].
• Chelydura Oudemans, J.T. 1894. Eidechsen und Schildkröten In Semon, R. Zoologische Forschungsreisen in Australien und den Malayischen Archipel. Jena : Gustav Fischer Vol. 5 pp. 127-146. [145] [?lapsus for Chelodina Fitzinger, 1826].
• Chelidura Oudemans, J.T. 1894. Eidechsen und Schildkröten In Semon, R. Zoologische Forschungsreisen in Australien und den Malayischen Archipel. Jena : Gustav Fischer Vol. 5 pp. 127-146. [130] [?lapsus for Chelodina Fitzinger, 1826].
• Hesperochelodina Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [9].

  Type species:

   Chelodina steindachneri Siebenrock, 1914 by original designation.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [60]

Introduction

Length of head and neck equal to or slightly less than length of the carapace. Secretes a pungent odour when distressed.

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

IBRA

ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Wet Tropics (WT) ; ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP) ; NT, Qld: Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Sturt Plateau (STU) ; WA: Carnarvon (CAR), Gascoyne (GAS), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Murchison (MUR), Pilbara (PIL), Yalgoo (YAL)

History of changes

• Chelodina canni McCord, W. & Thomson, S. 2002. A new species of Chelodina (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from Northern Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology 36(2): 255-267.

  Type data:

   Holotype NTM 24515, Malogie waterhole, near Scarlet Hill on Kalala Station [16°08'S, 133°36'E].
• Chelodina rankini Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Iverson, J., Georges, A., & Thomson, S. 2001. The validity of taxonomic changes for turtles proposed by Wells and Wellington. Journal of Herpetology 35: 361-368
• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [14-15]

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Chelodina novaeguineae Boulenger, 1888 [restricted to Papua New Guinea, see Georges & Thomson (2010)].

Introduction

Very closely related to Chelodina novaeguinea from New Guinea. Freely hybridises with C. longicollis to yield viable and fertile offspring in the Styx River of central coastal Queensland (Georges et al. 2002)

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Sturt Plateau (STU), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Amphibious, carnivorous, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater.

General References

Georges, A., Adams, M. & McCord, W. 2002. Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the genus Chelodina (Testudines : Chelidae) of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 134: 401-421

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [14-15]

Common Name References

Clayton, M., Wombey, J.C., Mason, I.J., Chesser, R.T. & Wells, A. 2006. CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing iv 162 pp. [17] (Cann's Long-necked Turtle)

History of changes

• Testudo longicollis Shaw, G. 1794. The Zoology of New Holland. Illustrated by J. Sowerby. London. 33 pp. [19, pl. 7].

  Type data:

   Holotype whereabouts unknown (type not specified, presumed to be BMNH 1947.3.5.86, that specimen on which Shaw based a subsequent description of this species, see Shaw, G. 1802. General Zoology, or Systematic Natural History. Vol. 3 Pt. 1. Amphibia. London : Kearsley 312 pp.), unspecified locality.
• Chelodina novaehollandiae Duméril, A.M.C. & Bibron, G. 1835. Erpétologie Générale ou Histoire Naturelle Complète des Reptiles. Paris : Roret Vol. 2 680 pp. [443] [long regarded as a replacement name for Testudo longicollis Shaw, 1802; however Roux-Estève, R. 1979. Liste des Amphibiens et Reptiles des collections du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, récoltés par Lesueur (1778–1846). Bull. Trim. Soc. Géol. Normandie et Amis Muséum du Havre 66: 25–29 regards this as a distinct species with its own holotype, and so it has been treated as such here].

  Type data:

   Holotype MNHP 6969, Australia.

  Secondary source:

   Roux-Estève, R. 1979. Liste des Amphibiens et Reptiles des collections du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, récoltés par Lesueur (1778–1846). Bulletin Trimestriel de la Société Géologique de Normandie et des Amis du Muséum du Havre 66: 25-29.
• Chelodina sulcifera Gray, J.E. 1855. Catalogue of Shield Reptiles in the Collection of the British Museum. Part I. Testudinata (Tortoises). London : British Museum 79 pp., XLII pls. [59, pl. XXV fig. 2].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1947.3.5.87, Australia.
• Chelodina sulcata Gray, J.E. 1856. On some new species of freshwater tortoises from North America, Ceylon and Australia, in the collection of the British Museum. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1855: 197-202 [1855 on title page but p. 201 issued 5 February, 1856] [201] [error, or unnecessary replacement name, for Chelodina sulcifera Gray, 1855].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [61]
• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [15]

Generic Combinations

• Chelodina longicollis (Shaw, 1794). —
  Fitzinger, L.J. 1826. Neue Classification der Reptilien nach ihren naturlichen Verwandtschaften. Vienna : Heubner 66 pp.

Introduction

Hybridises with Chelodina canni to yield viable and fertiles offspring where the two species come into contact in the Styx River Region (Georges et al. 2002)

Distribution

States

Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Populations in Tasmania presumed introduced

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

ACT, NSW, Qld, SA, Tas, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Flinders (FLI), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Naracoorte Coastal Plain (NCP), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Coastal Plain (SCP), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Amphibious, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, general carnivore.

General References

Armstrong, G. 1982. Notes on feeding and growth rates in juvenile Chelodina longicollis. Herpetofauna 13: 27

Eisner, T., Jones, T.H., Meinwald, J. & Legler, J.M. 1978. Chemical composition of the odorous secretion of the Australian turtle, Chelodina longicollis. Copeia 1978: 714-715

Georges, A., Adams, M. & McCord, W. 2002. Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the genus Chelodina (Testudines : Chelidae) of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 134: 401-421

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37

Hodges, K., Donnellan, S. & Georges, A. 2015. Significant genetic structure despite high vagility revealed through mitochondrial phylogeography of an Australian freshwater turtle (Chelodina longicollis). Marine and Freshwater Research 66: 1045-1056

Kool, K. 1981. Is the musk of the long-necked turtle, Chelodina longicollis, a deterrent to predators? Australian Journal of Herpetology 1: 45-53

Mertens, R. 1972. Eien oft verkannte Unterart der australischen Schlangenhals-Schildköte Chelodina longicollis. Salamandra 8: 27-31

Siebenrock, F. 1915. Die Schildkröten gattung Chelodina Fitz. Sitzungsberichte der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien 124: 13-35 (taxonomy)

Vestjens, W.J.M. 1969. Nesting, egg-laying and hatching of the snake-necked tortoise at Canberra, A.C.T. The Australian Zoologist 15: 141-148

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Eastern Snake-necked Turtle)

Clayton, M., Wombey, J.C., Mason, I.J., Chesser, R.T. & Wells, A. 2006. CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing iv 162 pp. [17] (Snake-necked Turtle)

History of changes

• Chelodina steindachneri Siebenrock, F. 1914. Eine neue Chelodina Art aus Westaustralien. Anzeiger der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien 27: 386-387 [386].

  Type data:

   Holotype NHMW 19798, Marloo Station, Grey River, WA.
• Chelodina millymillyensis Glauert, L. 1923. A new freshwater tortoise from the Murchison River. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 9: 53-56 [53].

  Type data:

   Lectotype WAM R1000, Milly Milly Creek, Milly Milly Station, Murchison River, WA.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [62]

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Carnarvon (CAR), Gascoyne (GAS), Geraldton Sandplains (GS), Murchison (MUR), Pilbara (PIL), Yalgoo (YAL)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, general carnivore.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Flat-shelled Turtle)

Clayton, M., Wombey, J.C., Mason, I.J., Chesser, R.T. & Wells, A. 2006. CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing iv 162 pp. [17] (Steindachner's Turtle)

History of changes

• Chelydera Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437 [430].

  Type species:

   Chelodina parkeri Rhodin & Mittermeier, 1976 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia

IBRA

NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Riverina (RIV), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM) ; NT, Qld, WA: Central Arnhem (CA), Victoria Bonaparte (VB) ; NT, WA: Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Kimberley (CK), Northern Kimberley (NK) ; Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Pine Creek (PCK), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW)

Other Regions

Torres Strait Islands terrestrial, marine & freshwater

History of changes

• Chelodina (Macrochelodina) burrungandjii Thomson, S., Kennett, R. & Georges, A. 2000. A new species of long-necked turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Arnhem Land Plateau, Northern Territory, Australia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 3(4): 675-685.

  Type data:

   Holotype NTM 16010, Koolpin Gorge, South Alligator River, Northern Territory [13°28'S, 132°38'E].
• Macrochelodina walloyarrina McCord, W.P. & Ouni, M.J. 2007. A new genus of Australian longneck turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) and a new species of Macrochelodina from the Kimberley region of Western Australia (Australia). Reptilia 31: 56-64.

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM R164345, Fitzroy River, Fitzroy River Crossing, Western Australia.

Introduction

Kimberley populations are regarded by some as distinctive (Cann 1998; Thomson et al. 2000; McCord & Ouni 2007; Cann 2008), but there is little published data or analysis to support this, and resolution of this is complicated by issues of hybridisation and introgression. Hybridises with Chelodina rugosa yielding fertile offspring where they come into contact, typically in the escarpment country bordering the sandstone tablelands and the lowlands (Georges et al. 2002). Artner (2008) distinguishes the Arnhem Land and Kimberley forms as subspecies Chelodina burrangandjii burrangandjii and Chelodina burrungandjii walloyarrina respectively, a position shared by Cann & Sadlier (2017). Georges & Thomson (2010) recognise the validity of C. burrangandjii as distinct species, with C. walloyarrina as synonym, while van Dijk et al. (2014) and Rhodin et al. (2017) list C. walloyarrina as distinct species but recognise its validity can be controversial until further analyses are carried out with a much larger sample.

We follow the Australian Society of Herpetologists in treating C. walloyarrina as a junior synonym of C. burrangandjii until more comprehensive work can be conducted to properly establish relationships.

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, WA: Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Kimberley (CK), Northern Kimberley (NK), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Carnivorous, lake, permanent pond.

General References

Artner, H. 2008. The world's extant turtles, Part 1. Emys 15: 4-32

Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp.

Cann, J. 2008. Wild Australia Guide. Freshwater Turtles. Archerfield, Queensland : Steve Parish.

Cann, J. & Sadlier, R. 2017. Freshwater turtles of Australia. CSIRO Publishing 464 pp.

Georges, A., Adams, M. & McCord, W. 2002. Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the genus Chelodina (Testudines : Chelidae) of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 134: 401-421

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [17]

McCord, W.P. & Ouni, M.J. 2007. A new genus of Australian longneck turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) and a new species of Macrochelodina from the Kimberley region of Western Australia (Australia). Reptilia 31: 56-64

Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [192, 233]

Thomson, S., Kennett, R. & Georges, A. 2000. A new species of long-necked turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Arnhem Land Plateau, Northern Territory, Australia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 3(4): 675-685

van Dijk, P.P., Iverson, J.B., Rhodin, A.G.J., Shaffer, H.B. & Bour, R.[Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2014. Turtles of the World, 7th Edition: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution with Maps, and Conservation Status. Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5 pp. 329–479. [429]

Common Name References

Thomson, S., Kennett, R. & Georges, A. 2000. A new species of long-necked turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Arnhem Land Plateau, Northern Territory, Australia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 3(4): 675-685 (Sandstone Snake-necked Turtle)

History of changes

• Chelodina expansa Gray, J.E. 1857. Description of a new species of Chelodina from Australia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1856: 369-371 [1856 on title page] [370].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH 1947.3.4.21; 1947.3.5.88, Australia.

Introduction

Allozyme data support the species designation (Georges et al. 2002)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Also found on Fraser, Stradbroke and Moreton Islands

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), Riverina (RIV), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM)

Ecological Descriptors

Carnivorous, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater.

General References

Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [81-88]

Georges, A., Adams, M. & McCord, W. 2002. Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the genus Chelodina (Testudines : Chelidae) of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 134: 401-421

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [17]

Hodges, K., Donnellan, S. & Georges, A. 2015. Significant genetic structure despite high vagility revealed through mitochondrial phylogeography of an Australian freshwater turtle (Chelodina longicollis). Marine and Freshwater Research 66: 1045-1056

Common Name References

Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [81-88] (Broad-shelled Turtle)

History of changes

• Chelodina kuchlingi Cann, J. 1997. Kuchlings Long-necked Turtle: A new species of long-necked turtle from Western Australia. Monitor (Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society) 9(1): 41-44 [described from a single specimen of uncertain origin].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM R29411, Kalumburu, NW Australia [14°18'S 126°28'E].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [191, 233]

Introduction

Validity of this taxon was questioned by Georges & Thomson (2010) who treated it as a synonym of C. rugosa. Subsequently however Kuhlmaier et al. (2019) showed it to be genetically distinct from C. rugosa and it is now recognised as valid, possibly extinct.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Northern Kimberley (NK), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

General References

Cann, J. & Sadlier, R. 2017. Freshwater turtles of Australia. CSIRO Publishing 464 pp.

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [18]

Kehlmaier, C., Zhang, X., Georges, A., Campbell, P.D., Thomson, S. & Fritz, U. 2019. Mitogenomics of historical type specimens of Australasian turtles: clarification of taxonomic confusion and old mitochondrial introgression. Scientific Reports 9(5841): 1-12

Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [191]

van Dijk, P.P., Iverson, J.B., Rhodin, A.G.J., Shaffer, H.B. & Bour, R.[Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2014. Turtles of the World, 7th Edition: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution with Maps, and Conservation Status. Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5 pp. 329–479. [430]

Common Name References

Cann, J. & Sadlier, R. 2017. Freshwater turtles of Australia. CSIRO Publishing 464 pp. [93] (Kuchling's Long-neck Turtle)

Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [191] (Kuchling's Snake-necked Turtle)

History of changes

• Chelodina rugosa Ogilby, J.D. 1890. Description of a new Australian tortoise. Records of the Australian Museum 1: 56-59.

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA R6256, Cape York, Queensland.
• Chelodina siebenrocki Werner, F. 1901. Uber reptilien und batrachier aus Ecuador und Neu-Guinea. Verhandlungen der Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien 51: 593-603.

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMB 16491, "Deutsch Neu-Guinea" [= northern Papua New Guinea] [in error] emended to "New Guinea's south coast" by Rhodin & Mittermeier (1976).

  Type locality references:

  Rhodin, A.G.J. & Mittermeier, R.A. 1976. Chelodina parkeri, a new species of Chelid turtle from New Guinea, with a discussion of Chelodina seibenrocki Werner, 1901. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard 147(11): 465-488 [474].
• Chelodina intergularis Fry, D.B. 1915. Herpetological notes. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 27: 60-95.

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA R6255, Australia.
• Macrochelodina billabong Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [18]
• Australian Society of Herpetologists 30 June 2022. Australian Society of Herpetologists Official List of Australian Species. Australian Society of Herpetologists. http://www.australiansocietyofherpetologists.org/ash-official-list-of-australian-species

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

North-western NT east to Cape York and Torres Strait islands; New Guinea

IBRA

Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Central Arnhem (CA), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Pine Creek (PCK), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

Other Regions

Torres Strait Islands terrestrial, marine & freshwater

History of changes

• Macrochelodina Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [rank reduced from genus to subgenus by Georges & Thomson 2010].
• Macrodiremys McCord, W.P. & Ouni, M.J. 2007. A new genus of Australian longneck turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) and a new species of Macrochelodina from the Kimberley region of Western Australia (Australia). Reptilia 31: 56-64.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [17]

Distribution

States

Western Australia

IBRA

WA: Jarrah Forest (JF), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR)

History of changes

• Chelodina oblonga Gray, J.E. 1841. A catalogue of the species of Reptiles and Amphibia hitherto described as inhabiting Australia, with a description of some new species from Western Australia. Appendix E. pp. 422–449 in Grey, G. Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-west and Western Australia, during the years 1837, 38, and 39, under the authority of Her Majesty's Government. London : T. & W. Boone Vol. 2. [434] [ruled as conserved name (ICZN 2013)].

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH 1947.3.5.89 Carapace length 15 cm (ex. BMNH 40.12.9.81, frequently identified as holotype), "Western Australia".
  Paralectotype(s) ZC 02584 Carapace length 27.5 cm (the second specimen referred to in Gray's description as "11 inches long", see Shea et al. (2020)), "West and North-West Australia".

  Subsequent designation references:

  Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437 [432-433] (see also discussion on p 421-424).

  Type locality references:

  Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437.
• Chelodina colliei Gray, J.E. 1856. On some new species of freshwater tortoises from North America, Ceylon and Australia, in the collection of the British Museum. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1855: 197-202 [1855 on title page but p. 201 issued 5 February, 1856] [200].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1946.1.22.5, Swan River, Australia; BMNH 1946.1.22.5, Swan River, Australia.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [192]
• Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437

Generic Combinations

• Chelodina (Macrodiremys) colliei (Gray, 1856). —
  Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [19]
• Chelodina (Macrochelodina) oblonga (Gray, 1841). —
  Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437 [432]
• Macrochelodina oblonga (Gray, 1841). —
  Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [9]
• Macrodiremys oblonga (Gray, 1841). —
  McCord, W.P. & Ouni, M.J. 2007. A new genus of Australian longneck turtle (Testudines: Chelidae) and a new species of Macrochelodina from the Kimberley region of Western Australia (Australia). Reptilia 31: 56-64 [57]

Introduction

The nomenclatural history of this taxon is quite long and complicated and has been recently summarised by Shea et al. (2020). Their thorough re-assessment of the taxa involved and the provenance of the type material for Chelodina oblonga Gray, 1841, along with designation of a lectotype, has returned the taxonomy of this species and related taxa to that presented by Cogger et al. (1983). Following on from Goode (1967) and Burbidge (1967), Cogger et al. (1983) listed Chelodina oblonga Gray, 1841 as the valid name for the Long-necked Turtles from southwestern WA, with Chelodina colliei Gray, 1856 as its junior synonym, while Chelodina rugosa Ogilby 1890 was the valid name for the Long-necked Turtle from northern Australia. These results gained further support from Smales (2021) and is the arrangement supported by the Australian Society of Herpetologists and that followed here.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

South-western corner of WA

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Jarrah Forest (JF), Swan Coastal Plain (SWA), Warren (WAR)

Distribution References

General References

Cogger, H.G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO publishing 7th edition, pp. xxx+1033. [243] (as Chelodina (Macrodiremys) colliei , also in reference to C. rugosa Gray, 1841 p 242)

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. In, Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [61]

Ellis, R.J. & Georges, A. 2015. An annotated type catalogue of the turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) in the collection of the Western Australian Museum. Records of the Western Australian Museum 30: 52–60

Georges, A., Adams, M. & McCord, W. 2002. Electrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the genus Chelodina (Testudines : Chelidae) of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 134: 401-421

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37

ICZN 2013. Opinion 2315. (Case 3351) Chelodina rugosa Ogilby, 1890 (currently Macrochelodina rugosa; Reptilia, Testudines): precedence not granted over Chelodina oblonga Gray, 1841. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 70(1): 57-60 (including C. rugosa Ogilby, 1890)

Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [193] (as C. colliei Gray, 1856, also in reference to C. rugosa Gray, 1841)

Shea, G., Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2020. The identity of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae) reassessed. Zootaxa 4779(3): 419-437

Smales, I. 2021. Morphology of the lectotype of Chelodina oblonga Gray 1841 (Testudines: Chelidae). Zootaxa 5068(4): 574-571

Thomson, S. 2000. On the identification of the holotype of Chelodina oblonga (Testudinata: Chelidae) with a discussion of the taxonomic implications. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 3: 745–749

Thomson, S.A. 2006. Case 3351: Chelodina rugosa Ogilby, 1890 (currently Macrochelodina rugosa; Reptilia, Testudines): proposed precedence over Chelodina obloga Gray, 1841. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature 63: 187-193

Common Name References

Cogger, H.G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO publishing 7th edition, pp. xxx+1033. [242] (Northern Snake-necked Turtle)

History of changes

Taxonomic Decision for Subgeneric Arrangement

• Thomson, S.A., Amepou, Y., Anamiato, J. & Georges, A. 2015. A new species and subgenus of Elseya (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from New Guinea. Zootaxa 4006(1): 59–82

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia

IBRA

NT, Qld, WA: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Kimberley (CK), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Northern Kimberley (NK), NSW North Coast (NNC), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT) ; Qld: Desert Uplands (DEU)

ID Keys

Key to Elseya species from Georges & Thomson 2010

1 - Anterior carpace expanded, squared off, anterior extent of second marginal scute as great or greater than that of the first marginal scute in adults -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................Queensland clade......2
-. Carapace broadly oval, anterior extent of carapace greatest at first marginal scute in adults -
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................Northern clade............3
2 - Dorsal surface of skull and overlying head shield smooth; anterior carapace squared off, extent of second marginal scute equal to or greater than that of first marginal scute in adults; prominent white or cream markings on throat and sides of head may extend to cover the dorsal surface of head in adult females (Burdekin drainage only) -
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................irwini
-. Dorsal surface of the skull and overlying head shield deeply fenestrated in full grown adults; anterior carapace ovoid, first marginal scute the most anterior scute of the carapace; prominent white or cream markings on throat and sides of head, not extending to dorsal surface of head -
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................albagula
3 - Plastron cream or white, unblemished by streaks, darker borders of the scute sutures, or other darker markings; scales on temporal region of head not prominent; side of head often with white or cream blotches -
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
-. Plastron yellow, cream or white, with streaks of brown or black, darker borders to the scutes or other darker marking (after removal of any staining) -
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................dentata
4 - Plastron of low relief, little or no abrupt angle between the bridge and the ventral surface of the plastron; head shield fragmented -
...............................................................................................................................................................................................Elseya dentata [South Alligator]
-. Ventral surface of the plastron at a distinct angle from the bridge; head shield entire -
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................branderhorsti

General References

Thomson, S.A., Amepou, Y., Anamiato, J. & Georges, A. 2015. A new species and subgenus of Elseya (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from New Guinea. Zootaxa 4006(1): 59–82

History of changes

• Elseya Gray, J.E. 1867. Description of a new Australian tortoise (Elseya latisternum). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 20: 43-45 [44].

  Type species:

   Chelymys dentata Gray, 1863 by subsequent designation, see Mertens, R. & Wermuth, H. 1955. Die rezenten Schildkröten, Krokodile und Brückenechsen. Eine kritische Liste der heute lebenden Arten und Rassen. Zoologische Jahrbücher. Abteilung für Systematik 83: 323-440.

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia

IBRA

NT, Qld, WA: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Kimberley (CK), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Northern Kimberley (NK), NSW North Coast (NNC), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT)

History of changes

• Chelymys dentata Gray, J.E. 1863. On the species of Chelymys from Australia, with the description of a new species. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 12: 98-99, 246 [98, 246].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) BMNH 1947.3.6.3 (possible holotype), Beagle's Valley, upper Victoria River, NT; BMNH 1947.3.6.3.
• Chelymys elseyi Gray, J.E. 1864. On the genera of Chelydidae and the characters furnished by the study of their skulls. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1864: 128-135 [132] [as C. elseyi, nom. nud., introduced in synonymy].
• Elseya intermedia Gray, J.E. 1872. Appendix to the Catalogue of Shield Reptiles in the Collection of the British Museum. Testudinata (Tortoises). London : British Museum Vol. 1 28 pp. [23] [cited as Elseya ? intermedia].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1947.3.4.14, upper part of Victoria River, NT.
• Elseya stirlingi Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [9].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM R93048 (previously R68848), Cairns district, QLD.

  Secondary source:

   Shea, G.M. & Sadlier, R.A. 1999. A catalogue of the non-fossil amphibian and reptile type specimens in the collection of the Australian Museum: types currently, previously and purportedly present. Technical Reports of the Australian Museum 15: 1-91 [54].
• Chelymys elseya Gray, J.E. 1870. Supplement to the catalogue of shield reptiles in the collection of the Bristish Museum. Part I. Testudinata (tortoises). London : British Museum. [nomen nudum].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [62]

Generic Combinations

• Elseya dentata (Gray, 1863). —
  Gray, J.E. 1867. Description of a new Australian tortoise (Elseya latisternum). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 20: 43-45

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, Qld, WA: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Kimberley (CK), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Northern Kimberley (NK), NSW North Coast (NNC), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, sexually dimorphic, general carnivore.

General References

Coventry, A.J. & Tanner, C. 1973. Notes on the short-necked tortoises Emydura australis (Gray) and Elseya dentata (Gray) in the Victoria River system, Northern Territory. Victorian Naturalist 90: 351-353

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [21]

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Northern Snapping Turtle)

Clayton, M., Wombey, J.C., Mason, I.J., Chesser, R.T. & Wells, A. 2006. CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing iv 162 pp. [17] (Victoria River Snapper)

History of changes

• Elseya flaviventralis Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2016. A new species of freshwater turtle of the gneus Elseya (Testudinata: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from the Northern Territory of Australia. Zootaxa 4061(1): 18-28 [20].

  Type data:

   Holotype NTM NTM13512 ♀, Pine Creek Crossing, South Alligator River drainage, Kakadu NP Northern Territory [13°30'S, 132°28'E].
  Paratype(s) NTM NTM13985 ♂, Pul Pul Billabong, South Alligator River drainage, Kakadu NP, Northern Territory [13°34'S, 132°35'E].

Distribution

States

Northern Territory

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT: Arnhem Plateau (ARP)

History of changes

• Pelocomastes De Vis, C.W. 1897. The extinct freshwater turtles of Queensland. Annals of the Queensland Museum 3: 3-7.

  Type species:

   Chelymys uberrima De Vis, 1897 (senior synonym of Pelocomastes ampla De Vis, 1897) by original designation.

  Secondary source:

   Thomson, S.A. 2000. A revision of the fossil chelid turtles (Pleurodira) described by C.W. de Vis, 1897. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 45(2): 593-598; Thomson, S.A., Amepou, Y., Anamiato, J. & Georges, A. 2015. A new species and subgenus of Elseya (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae) from New Guinea. Zootaxa 4006(1): 59–82 [74].

Distribution

States

Queensland

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), NSW North Coast (NNC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

History of changes

• Elseya albagula Thomson, S., Georges, A. & Limpus, C.J. 2006. A new species of freshwater turtle in the genus Elseya (Testudines: Chelidae) from Central Coastal Queensland, Australia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 5(1): 74-86.

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J81785 ♀, Ned Churchwood Weir, Burnett River, QLD [25°03'S 152°05'E].
  Paratype(s) QM 28449 ♂ (as allotype), Nogoa River, Fitzroy River Drainage, QLD [23°31'S 148°01'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Drainage basins of Fitzroy, Burnett, and Mary Rivers.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), NSW North Coast (NNC), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Lotic freshwater, omnivore.

History of changes

• Elseya irwini Cann, J. 1997. Irwin's Turtle: A new species of short-necked turtle from Western Australia. Monitor (Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society) 9(1): 36-40 [36].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J59431 ♀, Burdekin River, QLD [19°42'S 147°18'E].
• Elseya stirlingi Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].

Introduction

Distinguished by the female's pale, primarily white head.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Restricted to Burdekin, Johnstone and Hartley Creek drainages

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC)

Ecological Descriptors

Freshwater, noctidiurnal, omnivore.

General References

Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [195-198]

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Irwin's Turtle)

History of changes

• Emydura lavarackorum White, A. & Archer, M. 1994. Emydura lavarackorum, a new Pleistocene turtle (Pleurodira: Chelidae) from fluviatile deposits at Riversleigh, Northwestern Queensland. Records of the South Australian Museum (Adelaide) 27: 159-167 [159].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM F 24121 fossil: associated almost complete plastron, partial carapace & pelvic fragments, S bank of Gregory River, Riversleigh Stn, ca 200 km NW of Mt Isa, NW Qld.

Generic Combinations

• Elseya lavarackorum (White & Archer, 1994). —
  Thomson, S., White, A. & Georges, A. 1997. Re-evaluation of Emydura lavarackorum: identification of a living fossil. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 42(1): 327-336

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Elseya dentata lavarackorum (White & Archer, 1994) [as subspecies]. —
  Artner, H. 2008. The world's extant turtles, Part 1. Emys 15: 4-32

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Nicholson River drainage.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Gulf Plains (GUP)

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37

Thomson, S., White, A. & Georges, A. 1997. Re-evaluation of Emydura lavarackorum: identification of a living fossil. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 42(1): 327-336 [327] (presenting alternative taxonomic arrangement)

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Gulf Snapping Turtle)

History of changes

• Elusor Cann, J. & Legler, J.M. 1994. The Mary River Tortoise: A New Genus and Species of Short-necked Chelid from Queensland, Australia (Testudines: Pleurodira). Chelonian Conservation and Biology 1(2): 81-96 [83].

  Type species:

   Elusor macrurus Cann & Legler, 1994 by monotypy.

Introduction

Represented by a single living species Elusor macrurus Cann & Legler 1994 restricted to Mary drainage of eastern Queensland, Australia (Georges & Thomson 2010)

Distribution

States

Queensland

IBRA

Qld: South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [22]

History of changes

• Elusor macrurus Cann, J. & Legler, J.M. 1994. The Mary River Tortoise: A New Genus and Species of Short-necked Chelid from Queensland, Australia (Testudines: Pleurodira). Chelonian Conservation and Biology 1(2): 81-96 [83].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J51275 ♀, Mary River, 45.5 km S and 21.0 km W Maryborough, QLD, Australia, elevation approximately 30 m [25°58'S 152°30'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Restricted to Mary River drainage.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: South Eastern Queensland (SEQ)

Ecological Descriptors

Lotic freshwater, omnivore.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Mary River Turtle)

History of changes

• Emydura Bonaparte, C.L. 1836. Cheloniorum Tabula Analytica. Rome. 9 pp. [7] [a nom. nud. because its type species is itself a nom.nud.; Emydura should be conserved, however, on the grounds of general usage].

  Type species:

   Chelys macquaria Cuvier, 1829 by monotypy.

  Secondary source:

   Stimson, A.F. 1986. On the correct zoological name of the Australasian turtle genus Emydura Bonaparte. Journal of Herpetology 20(2): 279-280.
• Chelymys Gray, J.E. 1844. Catalogue of the Tortoises, Crocodiles, and Amphibians in the Collection of the British Museum. London : British Museum viii 80 pp. [42].

  Type species:

   Emys macquaria Cuvier, 1829 (=Chelymys macquaria Gray, 1844) by monotypy (= Chelys (Hydraspis) maquarii Gray, 1830).
• Euchelymys [part.] Gray, J.E. 1871. On Euchelymys, a new genus and two new species of Australian freshwater tortoises. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 8: 117-118 [118] [also in synonymy of Elseya].

  Type species:

   Euchelymys sulcifera Gray, 1871 by subsequent designation, see Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [62].
• Tropicochelymys Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [9].

  Type species:

   Hydraspis victoriae Gray, 1842 by original designation.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [62]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia

IBRA

NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Vic: Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU) ; NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Wet Tropics (WT) ; NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Arnhem (CA), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW) ; NT, Qld, WA: Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), Victoria Bonaparte (VB) ; NT, WA: Central Kimberley (CK), Dampierland (DL), Northern Kimberley (NK)

ID Keys

Key to Emydura species from Georges & Thomson 2010

1 - Triturating surfaces of maxillary sheath simple, not expanded to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth; length of mandibular symphysis in adults approximately equal to the horizontal diameter of the tympanum; postocular stripe absent, or if present, cream, yellow through to bright salmon, fading with age; iris with or without leading and trailing dark spots -
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................2
-. Triturating surfaces of maxillary sheath expanded, meeting medially to form a crushing plate on the roof of the mouth; length of mandibular symphysis in adults about 1.5 times the horizontal diameter of the tympanum; postocular stripe typically bright red, fading with age; iris without leading and trailing dark spots ; macrocephaly in adults common -
............................................................................................................................................................................................................victoriae
2. Triturating surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular sheaths unremarkable, borders of the triturating surfaces of the maxillary sheath approximately parallel for their full length; facial stripe present or absent; if present, varies in colour from cream, yellow, pink or bright salmon -
............................................................................................................................................................................................................3
-. Moderate medial expansion of the triturating surfaces of the maxillary sheath; post-ocular stripe universally yellow (fading in older individuals); carapace commonly with distinct rugations in adult individuals; macrocephaly uncommon -
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................tanybaraga
3 - Iris with leading and trailing dark spots; prominent facial stripe extending from the tympanum through the upper eyelid to the tip of the nose -
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................subglobosa
- Iris with leading and trailing dark spots; facial stripe present or absent, if present as a cream or yellow post-ocular stripe -
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................macquarii

Diagnosis References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [23]

History of changes

• Emys macquaria Cuvier, G. 1829. Le Règne Animal, distribué d'après son organisation, pour servir de base à l'histoire naturelle des animaux et d'introduction à l'anatomie comparée. Paris : Déterville Vol. 2, Edn 2, i-xv + pp. 1-406. [11] [nomen nudum; nom. nud.].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s).
• Chelys (Hydraspis) macquarii Gray, J.E. 1831. A synopsis of the species of the class Reptilia. pp. 1-110 in Griffith, E. (ed.). The Animal Kingdom Arranged in Conformity with its Organization by the Baron Cuvier. London : Whittaker, Treacher & Co. Vol. 9 481+110 pp. [1831 on title page] [Synopsis, 15] [as Ch. (Hydraspis) macquarii ex Cuvier ms].

  Type data:

   Holotype MNHP 9409, Australia; subsequently corrected to Macquarie River, NSW.

  Type locality references:

  Gray, J.E. 1831. Synopsis Reptilium; or Short Descriptions of the Species of Reptiles: Cataphracta. Tortoises, Crocodiles, and Enaliosaurians. London : Treuttel, Würtz & Co. Vol. 1 viii 85 pp.; Gray, J.E. 1872. On the genus Chelymys and its allies from Australia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1872: 504-514.
• Hydraspis macquarrii Gray, J.E. 1831. Synopsis Reptilium; or Short Descriptions of the Species of Reptiles: Cataphracta. Tortoises, Crocodiles, and Enaliosaurians. London : Treuttel, Würtz & Co. Vol. 1 viii 85 pp. [40] [errore for Emys macquarii [sic] Cuvier MS].
• Hydraspis australis Gray, J.E. 1841. A catalogue of the species of Reptiles and Amphibia hitherto described as inhabiting Australia, with a description of some new species from Western Australia. Appendix E. pp. 422–449 in Grey, G. Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in North-west and Western Australia, during the years 1837, 38, and 39, under the authority of Her Majesty's Government. London : T. & W. Boone Vol. 2.

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1947.3.4.36 (labelled from "Western Australia", later corrected to Macquarie River by Gray (1872), but see Introduction to E. victoriae regarding recent assessment), Macquarie River, New South Wales.

  Type locality references:

  Gray, J.E. 1872. On the genus Chelymys and its allies from Australia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1872: 504-514.
• Euchelymys sulcifera Gray, J.E. 1871. On Euchelymys, a new genus and two new species of Australian freshwater tortoises. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 8: 117-118.

  Type data:

   Lectotype BMNH 1947.7.3.5.97, North Australia.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp.
• Chelymys krefftii Gray, J.E. 1871. Notes on Australian freshwater tortoises. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 8: 366 [366].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1947.3.6.1, Burnett River, QLD.
• Chelymys victoriae sulcata Gray, J.E. 1872. On the genus Chelymys and its allies from Australia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1872: 504-514.

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH 71.9.25.3-4, Burnett River, Queensland.
• Chelymys victoriae marmorata Gray, J.E. 1872. On the genus Chelymys and its allies from Australia. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1872: 504-514.
• Emydura signata Ahl, E. 1932. Beschreibung einer neuen Schildkröte aus Australien. Sitzungsberichte der Gesellschaft Naturforschender Freunde zu Berlin 1932: 127-129.

  Type data:

   Holotype ZMB 34102, Brisbane district, Queensland.
• Emydura canni Worrell, E. 1970. Reptiles of Australia. Sydney : Angus & Robertson xv 169 pp. [nomen nudum].
• Emydura macquarrii signata Wermuth, H. & Mertens, R. 1977. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien; Testudines, Crocodylia, Rhynchocephalia. Das Tierreich 100: i-xxvii, 1-174.
• Chelymys cooki Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].
• Tropicochelymys insularis Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].
• Chelymys johncanni Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].
• Chelymys windorah Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].
• Emydura macquarii signata Gosławki, J. & Hryniewicz, A. 1993. Żółwie. Będzin, Poland : Q Puchatek.
• Emydura macquarii binjing Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [116-119].

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA R59558 ♀, Clarence drainage, New South Wales [29°45'S, 152°15'E].
• Emydura macquarii dharra Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [120-122].

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA R59553, Macleay River, New South Wales [30°54'S, 152°10'E].
• Emydura macquarii gunabarra Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [123-125].

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA 143596 ♀, Hunter River, New South Wales [32°09'S, 150°58'E].
• Emydura macquarii dharuk Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [126-130].

  Type data:

   Holotype AMSA 143598 ♀, Nortons Basin, Nepean River [33°52'S, 150°37'E].
• Emydura macquarii emmotti McCord, W..P, Cann, J. & Joseph-Ouni, M. 2003. A taxonomic assessment of Emydura (Testudines: Chelidae) with descriptions of new subspecies from Queensland, Australia. Reptilia 27: 59-63 [Date published April 2003] [60].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J51255 ♀, Waterloo Station, shearing-shed waterhole, southwestern Queensland [24°13' S, 143°17' E].
  Paratype(s) QM J72280 subadult ♀, same as holotype; QM J35338, J35339 subadult ♂ and ♀, Cooper Creek near Windorah, QLD [25°22'S, 142°45'W].
• Emydura macquarii nigra McCord, W..P, Cann, J. & Joseph-Ouni, M. 2003. A taxonomic assessment of Emydura (Testudines: Chelidae) with descriptions of new subspecies from Queensland, Australia. Reptilia 27: 59-63 [Date published April 2003] [62].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J48008 ♀, Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island, Queensland [25°27'S, 153°04'E].
  Paratype(s) QM J47989, J47991, J47992, J48000 4 specimens, same as holotype.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [24]

Generic Combinations

• Emydura macquarii krefftii (Gray, 1871). —
  Blackmore, E.H. 1969. On the Australasian Chelidae (Chelodina). Victorian Naturalist 86: 280-283
• Emydura macquarii (Gray, 1830). —
  Bonaparte, C.L. 1836. Cheloniorum Tabula Analytica. Rome. 9 pp. [7] (changed combination as type species of genus Emydura, see also Stimson (1986))
• Emydura macquarii macquarii (Gray, 1830). —
  Blackmore, E.H. 1969. On the Australasian Chelidae (Chelodina). Victorian Naturalist 86: 280-283

Introduction

A range of separate species or subspecies within Emydura macquarii have been recognised as valid by various authors. The taxonomy of Georges & Thomson (2010) has been widely adopted however there are many other arrangements often with conflicting lines of evidence (Cann & Sadlier, 2017). While recognising new approaches such as that used by Georges et al. 2018, we follow the Australian Society of Herpetologists in not recognising subspecies within E. macquarii until an arrangement that is well supported by evidence and likely to be stable is published in the peer reviewed literature. See the Australian Society of Herpetologists Official List of Australian Species (2022) for further details.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Associated with the Murray-Darling drainage system.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, Qld, SA, Vic: Australian Alps (AA), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Broken Hill Complex (BHC), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cobar Peneplain (CP), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Desert Uplands (DEU), Darling Riverine Plains (DRP), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Flinders Lofty Block (FLB), Kanmantoo (KAN), Murray Darling Depression (MDD), Mulga Lands (ML), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), NSW South Western Slopes (NSS), Riverina (RIV), Sydney Basin (SB), South East Corner (SEC), South Eastern Highlands (SEH), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Victorian Midlands (VM), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, omnivore.

General References

Australian Society of Herpetologists 30 June 2022. Australian Society of Herpetologists Official List of Australian Species. Australian Society of Herpetologists. http://www.australiansocietyofherpetologists.org/ash-official-list-of-australian-species

Georges, A., Gruber, B., Pauly, G.B., White, D., Adams, M., Young, M.J., Kilian, A., Zhang, X., Shaffer, H.B. and Unmack, P.J. 2018. Genomewide SNP markers breathe new life into phylogeography and species delimitation for the problematic short‐necked turtles (Chelidae: Emydura) of eastern Australia. Molecular Ecology 27: 5195-5213

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37

Greer, A.E. 2003. Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles. Australian Museum Online http://www.amonline.net.au/herpetology/research/encyclopedia.pdf. 75 pp. [58]

Matiaska. J. 2005. Macquarie Turtle -- Emydura macquarii macquarii. Australasian Turtle Information http://www.carettochelys.com/emydura/emydura_mac_mac_1.htm. 4 pp. [3]

Stimson, A.F. 1986. On the correct zoological name of the Australasian turtle genus Emydura Bonaparte. Journal of Herpetology 20(2): 279-280

Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2003. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Australia : Holland 448 pp. [42]

History of changes

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Extra-limital in southern New Guinea

IBRA

NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Arnhem (CA), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, sexually dimorphic, general carnivore.

ID Keys

Key to subspecies from Georges & Thomson 2010

1 - Ventral surfaces of shell and soft parts yellow, cream or grey, not suffused with red; facial stripe yellow, pink or bright salmon (fading or with darker blotches in older and macrocephalic individuals); macrocephaly common in adults -
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................worrelli
-. Ventral surfaces of shell, head, neck, limbs and tail suffused with red; facial stripe bright yellow (fading in older individuals); macrocephaly absent -
................................................................................................................................................................................................................subglobosa

General References

Covacevich, J., Ingram, G.J. & Czechura, G.V. 1982. Rare frogs and reptiles of Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Biological Conservation 22: 283-294 (status in Australia)

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Jardine River Turtle)

History of changes

• Euchelymys subglobosa Krefft, G. 1876. Notes on Australian animals in New Guinea with description of a new species of fresh water tortoise belonging to the genus Euchelymys (Gray). Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Genova 1: 390-394 [390].

  Type data:

   Holotype MCG C.E.2320, Naiabui, on Amama River, SE Papua New Guinea.
• Emydura albertisii Boulenger, G.A. 1888. On the Chelydoid Chelonians of New Guinea. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Genova 2 6: 449-452.

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) MCG CE8430-1, Mawatta, Binaturi River (as Katow), Papua New Guinea.
• Tropicochelymys goodei Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].

Generic Combinations

• Emydura subglobosa (Krefft, 1876). —
  Boulenger, G.A. 1888. On the Chelydoid Chelonians of New Guinea. Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Genova 2 6: 449-452 [26]
• Emydura subglobosa subglobosa (Krefft, 1876). —
  Artner, H. 2003. Die rezenten Schildkrötenarten der Erde. Emys 10(6): IV-XXXVIII

Introduction

Distinguished by the bright red colouration of the pastron and ventral surfaces of the limbs, tail and neck (Georges & Thomson 2010).

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Jardine River drainage, Australia. Southern New Guinea from but not including the Vogelkopf and Bomeri Peninsulas in the west to the Kemp-Welsh drainage in the east (Rhodin, 1993).

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Cape York Peninsula (CYP)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, carnivorous, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [26]

Common Name References

Cann, J. 1998. Australian Freshwater Turtles. Sydney & Singapore : John Cann & Beaumont Publishing 292 pp. [141-145] (The Jardine River Turtle)

History of changes

• Tropicochelymys worrelli Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [9].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM R53689 ♂, Caranbirini Waterhole, c. 21 km N McArthur River, NT [16°16'S 136°05'E].
• Tropicochelymys leichhardti Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [nomen nudum].

Generic Combinations

• Emydura subglobosa worrelli (Wells & Wellington, 1985). —
  Georges, A. & Adams, M. 1996. Eletrophoretic delineation of species boundaries within the short-necked turtles of Australia. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 118: 241-260

Introduction

The two subspecies Emydura subglobosa subglobosa and Emydura subglobosa worrelii occupy very different habitats, differ consistently in colour, and large adults of E. s. worrelli are commonly macrocephalic, whereas those of E. s. subglobosa are never so. The two subspecies of Emydura subglobosa may be full species, subject to confirmation by future detailed morphological and genetic comparisons. [Description from Georges & Thomson 2010]

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Arnhem (CA), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Pine Creek (PCK)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, omnivore, oviparous, predator.

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [26]

History of changes

• Emydura tanybaraga Cann, J. 1997. The Northern Yellow-faced Turtle: A new species of short-necked turtle from the N.T. Australia. Monitor (Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society) 9(1): 24-29, 34-35 [24].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM R125498 ♂, near Policeman Crossing, Daly River, NT [13°46'S 130°43'E].

Introduction

Emydura tanybaraga and are very difficult to distinguish consistently in the field, and further examination of their status using a combination of DNA sequence data and morphological data is warranted (Georges & Thomson 2010)

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Central Arnhem (CA), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Pine Creek (PCK), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

Ecological Descriptors

Lentic freshwater.

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [27]

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Northern Yellow-faced Turtle)

History of changes

• Hydraspis victoriae Gray, J.E. 1842. Description of some hitherto unrecorded species of Australian reptiles and batrachians. pp. 51-57 in Gray, J.E. (ed.). The Zoological Miscellany. London : Treuttel, Würz & Co. [55].

  Type data:

   Syntype(s) BMNH 1947.3.5.95-6, Victoria River, NT.

Generic Combinations

• Emydura victoriae (Gray, 1842). —
  Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [27]

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Emydura australis Gray, 1841 [possibly valid name, see Introduction]. —
  Cogger, H.G. 1975. The Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney : A.H. & A.W. Reed 584 pp.

Introduction

Two names have been applied to short necked turtles from the Kimberley region of WA, Emydura australis (Gray, 1841) and Emydura victoriae (Gray, 1842) which have been variously treated as distinct (e.g., Cann & Sadlier, 2017) or synonymous (e.g., Cogger 1975) with E. australis (Gray, 1841) having priority. However, confusion around the type location of E. australis (Gray, 1841)(potentially from Macquarie River, NSW) has led to that species being treated as nomen dubium and placed in the synonymy of E. macquarii (e.g. Cogger, 1983, Georges & Thomson 2010), leaving Emydura victoriae (Gray, 1842) as the next available name for the species from the Kimberley. More recently Kehlmaier et al. (2019, 2024) have established that the type specimen of E. australis is deeply divergent from E. macquarii and incorrectly synonymised under that taxon (Kehlmaier et al. 2019), and that E. australis and E. victoriae are not genetically distinct (Kehlmaier et al. 2024). Their results suggest that a single species is present in the Kimberley to which the name Emydura australis (Gray, 1841) would apply. We retain the species here as E. victoriae until the results of Kehlmaier et al. (2019, 2024) are assessed and widely accepted.

Distribution

States

Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NT, WA: Central Kimberley (CK), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Dampierland (DL), Northern Kimberley (NK), Ord Victoria Plain (OVP), Pine Creek (PCK), Victoria Bonaparte (VB)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, sexually dimorphic, general carnivore.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Victoria River Red-faced Turtle)

Clayton, M., Wombey, J.C., Mason, I.J., Chesser, R.T. & Wells, A. 2006. CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates: A Reference with Conservation Status. Melbourne : CSIRO Publishing iv 162 pp. [18] (North-west Red-faced Turtle)

History of changes

• Myuchelys Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2009. Myuchelys gen. nov. — a new genus for Elseya latisternum and related forms of Australian freshwater turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Zootaxa 2035: 35-42.

  Type species:

   Elseya latisternum Gray, 1867 by original designation.
• Wollumbinia Wells, R.W. 2007. Some taxonomic and nomenclatural considerations on the Class Reptilia in Australia. A new genus of the family Chelidae from eastern Australia. Australian Biodiversity Record 2007(No 3): 1-12 [1] [nomen nudum].

  Type species:

   Elseya latisternum Gray, 1867 by original designation.
• Flaviemys Le, M., Reid, B.N., McCord, W.P., Naro-Maciel, E., Raxworthy, C.J., Amato, G. & Georges, A. 2013. Resolving the phylogenetic history of the short-necked turtles, genera Elseya and Myuchelys (Testudines: Chelidae) from Australia and New Guinea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 68: 251–258.

  Type species:

   Elseya purvisi Wells & Wellington, 1985 (in error cited as Myuchelys purvisi (Wells & Wellington 1985)) by monotypy.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Fritz, U. & Havas, P. 2007. Checklist of Chelonians of the World. Vertebrate Zoology 57(2): 149-368 [323]
• Spinks, P.Q., Georges, A. & Shaffer, H.B. 2015. Phylogenetic uncertainty and taxonomic re-revisions: An example from the Australian Short-necked Turtles (Testudines: Chelidae). Copeia 103(3): 536–540
• Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., Bour, R., Fritz, U., Georges, A., Shaffer, H.B. & van Dijk, P.P. [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group] 2017. Turtles of the World: Annotated Checklist and Atlas of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution, and Conservation Status (8th Ed.). Chelonian Conservation Foundation, Vol. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 7 pp. 1–292. [200]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland

IBRA

NSW, NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT)

History of changes

• Phrynops bellii Gray, J.E. 1844. Catalogue of the Tortoises, Crocodiles, and Amphibians in the Collection of the British Museum. London : British Museum viii 80 pp. [41].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH ?, not determined.

Generic Combinations

• Wollumbinia belli (Gray, 1844).
• Myuchelys belli (Gray, 1844).
• Myuchelys bellii (Gray, 1844). —
  Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2009. Myuchelys gen. nov. — a new genus for Elseya latisternum and related forms of Australian freshwater turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Zootaxa 2035: 35-42 [28]

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

MacDonald, Namoi and Gwydir River catchments.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET)

Ecological Descriptors

Lentic freshwater, omnivore.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Bell's Turtle)

History of changes

• Elseya georgesi Cann, J. 1997. Georges Short-necked Turtle: A new species of short-necked turtle from N.S.W. Monitor (Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society) 9(1): 18-23 [18].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM R31721 ♀, Bellinger River, NSW [30°25'S 152°46'E].

Generic Combinations

• Myuchelys georgesi (Cann, 1997). —
  Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2009. Myuchelys gen. nov. — a new genus for Elseya latisternum and related forms of Australian freshwater turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Zootaxa 2035: 35-42
• Myuchelys georgesi (Cann, 1997).

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Bellinger River catchment only.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: NSW North Coast (NNC)

Ecological Descriptors

Carnivorous, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater.

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [28]

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Georges' Turtle)

History of changes

• Elseya latisternum Gray, J.E. 1867. Description of a new Australian tortoise (Elseya latisternum). Annals and Magazine of Natural History 3 20: 43-45 [44].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1947.3.4.13, 'North Australia'.
• Euchelymys spinosa Gray, J.E. 1871. On Euchelymys, a new genus and two new species of Australian freshwater tortoises. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 8: 117-118 [118].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1946.1.22.77, 'North Australia'.
• Elseya latisternon Gray, J.E. 1871. Notes on Australian freshwater tortoises. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 4 8: 291-292 [292] [lapsus for Elseya latisternum Gray, 1867].

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Cogger, H.G., in Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. & Cogger, H.M. 1983. Amphibia and Reptilia. 313 pp. in Walton, D.W. (ed.). Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1 vi + 313 pp. [62]

Generic Combinations

• Myuchelys latisternum (Gray, 1867). —
  Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2009. Myuchelys gen. nov. — a new genus for Elseya latisternum and related forms of Australian freshwater turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Zootaxa 2035: 35-42
• Myuchelys latisternum (Gray, 1867).

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW, NT, Qld: Arnhem Coast (ARC), Arnhem Plateau (ARP), Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Brigalow Belt South (BBS), Central Arnhem (CA), Central Mackay Coast (CMC), Cape York Peninsula (CYP), Daly Basin (DAB), Darwin Coastal (DAC), Desert Uplands (DEU), Einasleigh Uplands (EIU), Gulf Fall and Uplands (GFU), Gulf Coastal (GUC), Gulf Plains (GUP), Mount Isa Inlier (MII), Nandewar (NAN), New England Tablelands (NET), NSW North Coast (NNC), Pine Creek (PCK), South Eastern Queensland (SEQ), Tiwi Cobourg (TIW), Victoria Bonaparte (VB), Wet Tropics (WT)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous, predator.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, sexually dimorphic, general carnivore.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Saw-shelled Turtle)

History of changes

• Elseya purvisi Wells, R.W. & Wellington, C.R. 1985. A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology Supplementary Series 1: 1-61 [Date published September, 1985] [8].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM R44654, 15 km S, 32.3 km E of Nowendoc, NSW [31°39'S 152°04'E].

  Secondary source:

   Shea, G.M. & Sadlier, R.A. 1999. A catalogue of the non-fossil amphibian and reptile type specimens in the collection of the Australian Museum: types currently, previously and purportedly present. Technical Reports of the Australian Museum 15: 1-91.

Generic Combinations

• Myuchelys purvisi (Wells & Wellington, 1985). —
  Thomson, S. & Georges, A. 2009. Myuchelys gen. nov. — a new genus for Elseya latisternum and related forms of Australian freshwater turtles (Testudines: Pleurodira: Chelidae). Zootaxa 2035: 35-42
• Flaviemys purvisi (Wells & Wellington, 1985). —
  Le, M., Reid, B.N., McCord, W.P., Naro-Maciel, E., Raxworthy, C.J., Amato, G. & Georges, A. 2013. Resolving the phylogenetic history of the short-necked turtles, genera Elseya and Myuchelys (Testudines: Chelidae) from Australia and New Guinea. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 68: 251–258 [257]
• Wollumbinia purvisi (Wells & Wellington, 1985). —
  Cogger, H.G. 2014. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Collingwood : CSIRO publishing 7th edition, pp. xxx+1033.
• Myuchelys purvisi (Wells & Wellington, 1985).

Introduction

External morphology very similar to Wollumbinia georgesi from which it differs largely in intensity of colouration (Georges & Thomson 2010).

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Manning River drainage.

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

NSW: NSW North Coast (NNC)

Ecological Descriptors

Carnivorous, lentic freshwater, lotic freshwater.

General References

Georges, A. & Thomson, S. 2010. Diversity of Australasian freshwater turtles, with an annotated synonymy and keys to species. Zootaxa 2496: 1-37 [29-30]

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Purvis' Turtle)

History of changes

• Pseudemydura Siebenrock, F. 1901. Beschreibung einer neuen Schildkrötengattung aus der Familie Chelydidae aus Australien: Pseudemydura. Anzeiger der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien 38: 248-251 [248].

  Type species:

   Pseudemydura umbrina Siebenrock, 1901 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Swan Coastal Plain (SWA)

History of changes

• Pseudemydura umbrina Siebenrock, F. 1901. Beschreibung einer neuen Schildkrötengattung aus der Familie Chelydidae aus Australien: Pseudemydura. Anzeiger der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien 38: 248-251 [249].

  Type data:

   Holotype NHMW 89 (8450)=1296, Australia.
• Emydura inspectata Glauert, L. 1954. Herpetological miscellanea. IV. A new swamp tortoise from the Swan River district. Western Australian Naturalist 4: 125-127 fig. 2 [125, figs].

  Type data:

   Holotype WAM R11092, Warbrook, c. 24 mi[les] N of Perth, WA.

Introduction

P. umbrina is the most threatened reptile in Australia with the smallest surving wild population numbering less than 200 individuals.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Restricted to the ephemeral swamps in the Swan Drainage, near Perth, Western Australia

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

WA: Swan Coastal Plain (SWA)

Ecological Descriptors

Amphibious, noctidiurnal, predator, swamp.

Extra Ecological Information

Seasonal breeder, oviparous, general carnivore.

General References

Burbidge, A.A. 1981. The ecology of the western swamp tortoise Pseudemydura umbrina (Testudines: Chelidae). Australian Wildlife Research 8: 203-223

Williams, E.E. 1958. Rediscovery of the Australian chelid genus Pseudemydura Siebenrock (Chelidae: Testudines). Breviora. Museum of Comparative Zoology 84: 1-8

Zhang, X., Unmack, P.J., Kuchling, G., Wang, Y. & Georges, A. 2017. Resolution of the enigmatic phylogenetic relationship of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise Pseudemydura umbrina (Pleurodira: Chelidae) using a complete mitochondrial genome. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 115: 58–61

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Western Swamp Turtle)

History of changes

• Rheodytes Legler, J.M. & Cann, J. 1980. A new genus and species of chelid turtle from Queensland, Australia. Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Contributions in Science 324: 1-181 [2].

  Type species:

   Rheodytes leukops Legler & Cann, 1980 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC)

History of changes

• Rheodytes leukops Legler, J.M. & Cann, J. 1980. A new genus and species of chelid turtle from Queensland, Australia. Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History Contributions in Science 324: 1-181 [2, figs 1-7].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM J31701, Fitzroy River, 63 km N and 25 km E of Duaringa, elevation 40 m, QLD [23°09'S 149°55'E].

Distribution

States

Queensland

Extra Distribution Information

Restricted to the Fitzroy drainage of central coastal Queensland, Australia

Australian Endemic.

IBRA

Qld: Brigalow Belt North (BBN), Central Mackay Coast (CMC)

Ecological Descriptors

Aquatic, herbivore, lotic freshwater, noctidiurnal, oviparous.

Common Name References

CAVS 2006. Census of Australian Vertebrate Species. Australian Biological Resources Study. (Fitzroy River Turtle)

History of changes