Gulf Snapping Turtle Elseya (Pelocomastes) lavarackorum | Turtle Species Database | CheloniaTraceSpecies / Testudines taxon
Elseya (Pelocomastes) lavarackorum
Elseya lavarackorum, known as the Gulf snapping turtle or Riversleigh snapping turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle found in northern Australia.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Side-necked Turtles (PLEURODIRA) > Austro-American Side-necked Turtles Superfamily (CHELOIDEA) > Austro-American Side-necked Turtles (CHELIDAE) > Australasian Short-necked Turtles Subfamily (EMYDURINAE) > Australian Snapping Turtles (Elseya) > Big-headed Snapping Turtles Subgenus (Elseya (Pelocomastes)) > Gulf Snapping Turtle (Elseya (Pelocomastes) lavarackorum). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
Plate page 68
- Chinese Name
- 拉氏齿缘龟
English NameGulf Snapping Turtle Scientific NameElseya (Pelocomastes) lavarackorum Plate notes
Elseya lavarackorum
Trivia
The specific epithet honors the Lavarack family, associated with the type locality Riversleigh Station in Queensland.
Overview
Elseya lavarackorum, known as the Gulf snapping turtle or Riversleigh snapping turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle found in northern Australia.
Scientific Name
Elseya lavarackorum
Ecological Habits
Occurs in perennial rivers and associated waterholes. Diet includes aquatic invertebrates, fish, and vegetation.
Major Threats & Conservation
Threats include habitat degradation from cattle grazing and water extraction. Conservation measures are needed to protect remaining populations.
Morphological Characteristics
Carapace length up to 30 cm SCL, females larger than males. Shell relatively flat with distinct vertebral scutes.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Distribution: Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland). IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (NE). TFTSG Provisional Red List: Not listed.
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