Eastern Long-necked Turtle

At Alex Goudie Park Drouin

The Eastern Long-necked Turtle, Chelodina longicollis, belongs to the Chilidae sub-order of aquatic turtles that have a long fossil record dating back probably 200 million years. There are over 200 species worldwide and we have around 30 species in Australia. The Eastern Long-necked Turtle belongs to the group of turtles that withdraws its neck sideways into its shell.

At Moonlit Sanctuary Pearcedale

Eastern long-necks are found in creeks and wetlands, sometimes far inland. They seem often to prefer water bodies with murky bottoms. They spend most of their time in the water but will travel overland for some distance to discover new water holes or nesting sites.

Digging a nest hole

In summer, Eastern Long-necked Turtles dig a nest hole on the bank of a billabong or wetland and lay 10-20 eggs. The eggs and hatchlings are often prey for goannas, birds, and water rats, etc.

Egg laying at Heyfield

Aquatic turtles can hibernate or aestivate during cold or dry times. The Eastern Long-necked Turtle feeds on aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles, and small fish.

Nest protection at Coolart Homestead and Wetlands, Somers

 Sometimes called the snake-necked turtle or just long-necked turtle, the Eastern Long-necked Turtle can eject a smelly liquid from glands on its body, giving rise to another common name - the Stinky. By convention, the distinction between a turtle and a tortoise is that turtles are aquatic and tortoises are land-based – Australia has no tortoises.