The Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle is a species of turtle that are native to some of the Indonesian Islands.
It was named after Rote Island where the species was first discovered but they have since been found in other places such as East Timor.
This species, which is critically endangered, is sometimes referred to as the McCord’s snake neck turtle.
Roti Island 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 Roti Island 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 Roti Island 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 Cann’s 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 Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle is Chelodina mccordi and there are currently 3 recognised sub-species.
The nominate sub-species is the Western Roti Snake-Necked Turtle while the other two are the Eastern Roti Snake-Necked Turtle and the Timor Snake-necked Turtle.
Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle Description
The Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle is known for its long neck, which can be extended and moved in a serpentine manner, resembling a snake.
The neck can be as long as its shell, allowing it to reach prey in the water while keeping its body hidden.
The shell is dark and usually blackish-brown with bright yellow markings, creating a striking contrast.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle is endemic to the small island of Roti, which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands in South-Eastern Indonesia.
Roti Island is located in the Timor Sea, situated between the larger islands of Timor and Sumba.
The geographical distribution of this turtle is limited to the freshwater habitats found on Roti Island.
These habitats include ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and other freshwater bodies.
The species has adapted to its specific island environment and has not been found in any other areas naturally.
Due to its highly restricted range, the Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle is vulnerable to habitat loss and other environmental changes that could impact its survival.
Efforts to conserve this species are essential to ensure its continued existence in its native habitat.
Roti Island Snake-Necked Turtle Behaviour
The snake-like neck adaptation is one of the most remarkable behaviours of this species.
They use their extended neck to hunt for food and to breathe while submerged. When disturbed, they may retract their neck into their shell for protection.
The are carnivorous and primarily feed on aquatic insects, small fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures.
Their unique neck adaptation helps them catch prey that may be out of reach for other turtles.