Western new guinea stream turtle
A species of Australian snapping turtles, Also known as New guinea snapping turtle Scientific name : Elseya novaeguineae Genus : Australian snapping turtles
Western new guinea stream turtle, A species of Australian snapping turtles
Also known as:
New guinea snapping turtle
Scientific name: Elseya novaeguineae
Genus: Australian snapping turtles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Brian.gratwicke , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Western New Guinea stream turtle or New Guinea snapping turtle (Elseya novaeguineae) is a species of freshwater turtle in the Chelidae family. It is found in the Vogelkopf region west of Cenderawasih Bay and on the island of Waigeo of West Papua Indonesia.
General Info
Lifespan
30-40 years
Diet
Western new guinea stream turtle predominantly feeds on algae and aquatic vegetation, occasionally consuming small aquatic invertebrates. Its specialized beak allows it to scrape off algae from underwater surfaces.
Appearance
The western new guinea stream turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle boasting an ovate, flat carapace and robust limbs. Its skin and carapace possess a dull dark brown to black hue. The turtle's plastron is distinctive, with white to cream coloration, which contrasts strongly with its darker body. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with mature females being considerably larger than their male counterparts. Its snout is tapered and projective, resembling a snorkel aiding in respiration during prolonged underwater sojourns.
Behavior
Western new guinea stream turtle is a species exhibiting largely nocturnal behavior, active mainly at dusk. It dwells in freshwater environments, foraging for food in the river floor and displaying a carnivorous diet. Notable for its solitary nature, western new guinea stream turtle maintains and defends exclusive home ranges, showing territoriality. Its ability to remain almost entirely submerged for long periods, except for its snout for breathing, is a unique survival adaptation in its habitat.
Scientific Classification
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