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Elusor
The Mary River turtle (''Elusor macrurus'') is an endangered short-necked turtle that is endemic to the Mary River in south-east Queensland, Australia. Although these turtles were known to inhabit the Mary River for nearly 30 years, it was not until 1994 that they were recognised as a new species. There has been a dramatic decrease in their population due to low reproduction rates and an increase of depredation on nests. Taxonomy The Mary River turtle was first formally described in 1994. The first name the Mary River Turtle was given was ''Elseya latisternum'', meaning saw-shelled turtle. The Mary River Turtle can also be called the Punk Turtle, due to the algae that grows on its head or shell. ''Elusor'' is a monotypic genus representing a very old lineage of turtles that has all but disappeared from the evolutionary history of Australia. Description The Mary River turtle is one of Australia's largest turtles. Specimens in excess of 50 cm in carapace length have been ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Elusor
The Mary River turtle (''Elusor macrurus'') is an endangered short-necked turtle that is endemic to the Mary River in south-east Queensland, Australia. Although these turtles were known to inhabit the Mary River for nearly 30 years, it was not until 1994 that they were recognised as a new species. There has been a dramatic decrease in their population due to low reproduction rates and an increase of depredation on nests. Taxonomy The Mary River turtle was first formally described in 1994. The first name the Mary River Turtle was given was ''Elseya latisternum'', meaning saw-shelled turtle. The Mary River Turtle can also be called the Punk Turtle, due to the algae that grows on its head or shell. ''Elusor'' is a monotypic genus representing a very old lineage of turtles that has all but disappeared from the evolutionary history of Australia. Description The Mary River turtle is one of Australia's largest turtles. Specimens in excess of 50 cm in carapace length have been ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
