Turtle species
Johnstone River snapping turtle
This short-necked turtle has been a part of the species known as the northern snapping turtle Elseya dentata but may be recognised as a distinct species in the near future. It is very similar in appearance to the northern snapping turtle but is larger than other forms of this species, with a carapace length up to 380mm (in females).
Irwin's turtle
Irwin's turtle Elseya irwini information including conservation status, description, habitat and distribution, behaviour and life history, threatening processes, recovery actions and what can be done to help the species.
Flatback turtle
Includes information about common name, other names, scientific name, family, conservation status, description, habitat and distribution, life history and behaviour, threatening processes, actions and references for further information.
Green turtle
Description, habitat, distribution, life history, behaviour and threatening processes of the green turtle.
Hawksbill turtle
The hawksbill turtle is olive-green or brown above, richly variegated with reddish-brown, dark brown and black. The scales of head and face are often dark with pale contrasting sutures (lines between the scales) and it is cream to yellowish below (the plastron).
Loggerhead turtle
The loggerhead turtle is dark brown above, sometimes irregularly speckled with darker brown. The top of the head is dark brown, becoming pale on the sides with irregular darker blotches and white, cream or yellowish below. Hatchlings are rich reddish-brown above, dark blackish-brown below.
Olive ridley turtle (Pacific ridley)
Olive ridleys are grey or olive-grey above, usually without any conspicuous markings and whitish below. Their head is large and massive. The carapace (shell) is broad and heart-shaped, usually with six or more costal scales. They can grow to a total length of 1.5 metres. Their hatchlings are blackish above, dark brown below.