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Elseya

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EntityQ2708967· pop 15· linked from 653 articles

Also known as Australian Snapping Turtles

Elseya is a genus of large side-necked turtles, commonly known as Australian snapping turtles, in the family Chelidae. Species in the genus Elseya are found in river systems in northern and northeastern Australia and throughout the river systems of New Guinea. They are identified by the presence of alveolar ridges on the triturating surfaces of the mouth and the presence of a complex bridge strut.

Species

Eastern Saw-shelled Turtle

PHYLUM

  1. KingdomAnimalia
  2. PhylumChordata
  3. OrderTestudines
  4. FamilyChelidae
Habitatfreshwater
Observations2,702
Observations recorded2,534,061,025

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Wikidata facts

Image
Elseya dentata 3.jpg
Show 3 more facts
taxon name
Elseya
Commons category
Elseya
taxon author citation
Gray, 1867
Sources (2)

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Article

7 sections
Contents
  • Systematics
  • Etymology
  • List of species
  • Extinct species
  • Notes
  • References
  • External links and further reading

Elseya is a genus of large side-necked turtles, commonly known as Australian snapping turtles, in the family Chelidae. Species in the genus Elseya are found in river systems in northern and northeastern Australia and throughout the river systems of New Guinea. They are identified by the presence of alveolar ridges on the triturating surfaces of the mouth and the presence of a complex bridge strut.

The Australian snapping turtles are largely herbivorous, with specialized mouth structures for eating fruits. However, they will eat animal products if opportunity arises. The various species can be found in large numbers where they are still abundant, e.g., Northern Territory of Australia. However, a number of the populations have become increasingly rare, and some are now listed as endangered.

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