Brazilian snake-necked turtle
Species of turtle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Brazilian snake-necked turtle (Hydromedusa maximiliani), also known commonly as Maximilian's snake-necked turtle, and locally known in Brazilian Portuguese as cágado-da-serra ("mountain turtle") and cágado-pescoço-de-cobra ("snake-necked turtle"), is a species of turtle in the family Chelidae. The species is native to southeastern Brazil.[4] It is one of the smallest Brazilian freshwater turtles, reaching a maximum straight carapace length of 20 cm (7.9 in). The species prefers streams with sandy and rocky bottoms and clear water in forests above 600 m (2,000 ft) elevation.[4]
| Brazilian snake-necked turtle | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Pleurodira |
| Family: | Chelidae |
| Genus: | Hydromedusa |
| Species: | H. maximiliani |
| Binomial name | |
| Hydromedusa maximiliani | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
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Etymology
The specific name, maximiliani, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied.[5]
Taxonomy
First described as Emys maximiliani by Mikan (1825),[2] it was subsequently moved to the genus Hydromedusa by Wagler (1830).[6] Several other species described later have since been synonymized with this species.[4] There are no recognised subspecies.[4]
Description
The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is a small species reaching a straight carapace length of between 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) with a weight of 120–520 g (4.2–18.3 oz).[4] The carapace of the adult is oval in shape varying in color from dark gray, through to dark or light brown.[4] The plastron is a yellow or cream color. The species has a moderate-sized head with a small snout and yellowish jaws, with no barbels on the chin. The iris is black.[4] The dorsal surface of the head, neck and limbs are olive green to gray in color with a lighter cream-colored ventral surface.[4]
Geographic distribution and habitat
The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is native to southeastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.[4] The distribution is associated with the mountainous Atlantic rainforest. As a generalization it is found in mountain streams above 600 m (2,000 ft).[7]
The species is found in shallow streams from 15 to 100 cm (6–39 in) in depth, with clear, cold water and sandy or rocky substrates.[8] Because of the dense canopy and closed understory of the forests the streams receive little sunlight making basking only possible in gaps along the stream.[9]
Reproduction
Conservation
Some populations of this species, H. maximiliani, occur within protected areas and are hence afforded some protection from deforestation and pollution which are considered major threats.[4] In regions outside these protected areas the species may be becoming fragmented and may therefore become increasingly vulnerable in the future.[4]