The Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle is a species of of turtle that is native to the North-Eastern parts of Australia.
They get their common name from the appearance of their head and neck, which resembles that of a snake.
This species was believed to be the same as the New Guinea Snake-Necked Turtle until 2002 when it was reclassified as a different species after morphological and genetical differences were found.
Cann’s Snake Necked Turtle Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle belongs to the Chelidae family which is one of three living families of the turtle suborder Pleurodira.
The turtles in this family are known as the ‘Austro-South American Side-Neck Turtles’ as they can be found in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and most of South America.
Some of the species in this family include the Pink Bellied Side Neck Turtle and the Jardine River Turtle.
Genus
The genus that the Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle belongs to is called Chelodina. This is a diverse genus of Long-Necked Turtles that are known as Snake-Necked Turtles.
There are currently 18 recognised species in this genus including the Eastern Snake-Necked Turtle and the Roti Island Snake-necked Turtle.
The species in this genus are native to Australia, New Guinea and some of the Indonesian Islands.
Species
The scientific name for the Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle is Chelodina canni and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 2002 by McCord & Thomson when morphological and genetical difference resulted in its separation from the New Guinea Snake-Necked Turtle.
Cann’s Snake Necked Turtle Description
The Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle has a striking appearance due to its long neck, which it extends in a serpentine manner when hunting or basking.
The neck can make up about two-thirds of the turtle’s total length.
The upper shell, or carapace is relatively flat and dark brown to black in color, often with lighter markings.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle has a small geographical distribution and are native to the Northern regions of Western Australia.
They inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including slow-moving rivers, billabongs, swamps, and ponds.
They are well-adapted to these environments and are often seen basking on logs or rocks.
Cann’s Snake Necked Turtle Behaviour
The Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle is known for their cautious and secretive behaviour.
When threatened or disturbed, they may retreat into the water or bury themselves in mud to avoid predators.
They are also agile swimmers and are known to move quickly in water, using their webbed feet to propel themselves.
These turtles are carnivorous and primarily feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, and other small aquatic creatures.
Their long necks and quick striking ability make them effective predators in their habitat.
Like many reptiles, the Cann’s Snake-Necked Turtle lays eggs.
Females dig nests in the ground and lay a clutch of eggs, which hatch after an incubation period.
The young turtles are independent from birth and must fend for themselves.