Elseya lavarackorum (White and Archer 1994) – Gulf Snapping Turtle, Gulf Snapper, Riversleigh Snapping Turtle, Lavarack’s Turtle.

Abstract

The Gulf Snapping Turtle, Elseya lavarackorum (Family Chelidae), is a medium to large-sized short-necked turtle (carapace length to ca. 350 mm, potentially to 500 mm), endemic to a small area of northern Australia in the vicinity of the Queensland-Northern Territory border. The species inhabits deep pools on permanently flowing spring-fed waterways in the upper to middle reaches of rivers, reaching its highest densities adjacent to intact native riparian vegetation. Adult E. lavarackorum are almost exclusively herbivorous, feeding predominantly on fruit, leaves, and algae. The species nests in the dry season (May-July), with a clutch size that varies from 6 to 9 eggs. Nests are laid in fine sand or alluvial substrate on banks close to the water. Primary threats are thought to be feral pig predation on nests and degradation of native riparian vegetation by weeds and fire. Large females, in particular, are subject to harvesting by traditional landowners, but this is not presently considered a significant conservation threat. distribution.-Australia. The species has a limited distribution in the upper and middle reaches of the Gregory-Nicholson and Calvert catchments, with unconfirmed reports from the Robinson River in northwest Queensland and northeastern Northern Territory. synonymy.-Emydura lavarackorum White and Archer 1994, Elseya lavarackorum, Elseya dentata lavarackorum. subspecies.-None currently known.

Turtles in trouble. Conservation ecology and priorities for Australian freshwater turtles

“…Both of these life history attributes make the species extraordinarily vulnerable to trampling by feral water buffalo and feral pig predation (Figure 4, Doupé et al, 2009; Fordham et al, 2008; Fordham, Georges, Corey, et al, 2006). Feral pigs are a major threat to the species across northern Australia (Freeman, 2010; Freeman et al, 2014). Chelodina rugosa is seasonally harvested by Indigenous communities in northern Australia and New Guinea (Fordham et al, 2004; Kennett et al, 2014), but the offtake is considered to be an order of magnitude lower than losses from feral pig predation (Fordham et al, 2008).…”