![]() Heat gained through basking and ambient temperature allows a turtle’s metabolism to increase. A darker carapace will heat up more quickly than a tan or other light coloured turtle, and will be able to reach a higher temperature. The colour of the carapace of a turtle also plays a role in thermo-regulation. Freshwater turtles are able to gain heat much quicker than they lose it. Basking also aids in the control of skin complaints such as fungal infections, assists in shedding scutes and helps inhibit the growth of algae on the shell. Other turtles sometimes appear to be ‘crying’ and are releasing fluids via the eyes as part of a cooling mechanism. One interesting personal observation has been a turtle’s reluctance to sometimes dive back into the water after it has obviously reached its preferred temperature, and occasionally submerges its head and neck in an attempt to cool down. Here they are able to capture valuable U.V and warmth, but with the added security of being submerged. Turtles have also been observed floating near the surface in warm water currents with outstretched limbs. On warm or hot days, turtles may leave the water and bask, usually stretching their hind legs out behind them to attain maximum surface area or maximum contact with a warm surface, and will retreat into the water to cool down. Surprisingly, their body temperature can be higher than that of their environment. Turtles are sometimes incorrectly regarded as ‘cold-blooded’ and cannot produce their own body heat, but instead regulate their body temperature by behavioural means- (Ectothermic). Turtles are sometimes described as ‘living fossils’ and in many respects this term is correct. Reptiles in this sub-order are closely linked by the fact that their bodies are encased in a hard shell, they curl their heads back into the shell by horizontal movement and their pelvic girdle (Ref. Members of the sub-order - Pleurodire, or side necked turtles, did not evolve until the Cretaceous Period -some 135 million years ago. The correct zoological classifications that apply to Australian freshwater turtles are Class -Reptilia, Order - Testudines, Suborder - Pleurodire (all except the Pig-nosed turtle which is Cryptodire). They naturally occur in all states excluding Tasmania! There are possibly many undiscovered species of turtle that have eluded the watchful eye of herpetologists due to the elusiveness and subtlety of these fascinating creatures. Australia has some thirty described species and sub-species of freshwater turtle and four monotypic genera. Imagine how helpful it would have been if amateur herpetologists were already successfully breeding Western swamp turtles in captivity. This species is currently involved in a careful breeding program under turtle expert Gerald Kuchling and the Perth Zoo. The world’s most endangered turtle is the Western Swamp turtle whose numbers fell to around thirty in the 1980’s. As pollution increases and swamplands are filled in for development, or rivers are dammed all in the name of progress, then we must make a concerted effort to monitor the effects that these impacts are having on our turtle populations. I believe that if more people keep our Australian freshwater turtles’ in captivity, the more knowledge we will gain from the experience and we will be better equipped to help them in the future. The poor husbandry advice given most often led to the turtle becoming ‘stunted’ or even dying. This was merely a generalised term given to at least four species of turtle hatchlings including the Mary River turtle, the Saw-shelled turtle and the Southern-snapping turtle that were sold in pet shops and department stores in the 70’s. ![]() ![]() There is NO such thing as a ‘Penny turtle’. There are many stories of keepers being amused while watching a turtles’ antics in their aquatic enclosures, and some go as far to say that they each have their own recognisable personalities. You may be choosing a friend for life! Most Australian freshwater turtles are very timid and shy, but within time will loose their fear and become accustomed to you and will recognise where their food comes from. This point should be taken into consideration before purchasing your pet to begin with. Turtles are renowned for their longevity and provided your pet remains healthy, may live for thirty to seventy-five years in your care. Their survival is in your hands! If basic guidelines are followed, then your turtle should thrive in captivity and may even breed for you. Along with the pleasure of owning a turtle comes the responsibility to provide the best possible care for it that you can. There are no ‘effort free’ animals to keep as pets, and turtles are no exception. ![]() Turtles are one of the most appealing animals of the reptile world.
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