Pleurodira: Side-necked Turtles

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Side-necked turtles, classified in the suborder Pleurodira, are identified by the physical characteristics of their necks.

Whereas the hidden-necked turtles retract their neck vertically into their shells, side-necked turtles retract their necks horizontally, and lay it between the shell's edges.

Two families of side-necked turtles are recognized: Chelidae are a group of approximately 54 species found in Australia, New Guneia and South America; and Pelomedusidae are a group of approximately 19 species found in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar.

Neck length variers from species to species, with some species having necks so long they get the nickname snake-necked turtles.

All the known species inhabit fresh water rivers and ponds. The Siebenrock's Side-necked Turtle in the picture is a native of New Guinea.

© 2006-2008 Patricia A. Michaels