We may have seen plenty of turtles and gotten used to them. However, Reimani Turtles (kura-kura Reimani) is very different. Although rare, this type of turtle can be seen in nature, like forests. Also known by the Latin name Chelodina reimanni, this turtle has a funny-looking neck. Why?
A Neck Like A Snake’s
Their necks will remind you of snakes. It is no wonder that these indigenous animals in Papua and West Papua are also called snake-necked turtles. What are they like, exactly? Because of the neck, this turtle cannot hide its head under its shell. Its long neck cannot be rolled back into it. That is why this turtle is very different from other turtles.
Another thing that is unique about them is their faces. While most other turtles look fierce, these turtles look like they are always smiling. No wonder many also find them cute.
The Reimani Turtles are freshwater turtles. When it comes to feeding, these turtles eat fish and insects. They also eat vegetables, which means they are omnivores like humans.
They have rough grayish skin, but the top of their bodies are brown. Their underside is yellow and has a smooth carapace (hard shells). Their shells are slightly flatter than the shells of other more regular turtles.
The Reimani Turtles also have smooth heads with slightly upturned snouts. These indigenous animals in Papua and West Papua have slightly wider heads than the heads of other snake-necked turtles in other regions, like Papua New Guinea.
The size of the carapace for the average male turtle can reach as far as 14 cm. The length of the female carapace is 20 cm, which means wider than the male. The maximum carapace for these turtles, in general, can reach as far as 35 cm.
Meanwhile, the average weight of a male turtle can be as heavy as 313 grams. The female, however, tends to be much heavier than the male. They can be as heavy as 955 grams.
George Albert Boulenger first discovered these turtles in 1891. These species were later separated into different types by Dr. Anders Rhodin of Chelonia Research Foundation Luneburd in 1994. The foundation was in Massachusetts, USA. One of the snake-necked turtles is called Chelodina mccordi. The name was taken from William McCordy, a turtle and tortoise expert from Hopewell Junction, New York, USA, in 1994.
There are about 60 species of snake-necked turtles. Besides in Papua, you can also find these turtles in Papua New Guinea, Australia, Latin America, and Rote Island in East Nusa Tenggara.
Why The Reimani Turtles Are In Danger of Becoming Extinct
It is very sad to know that, just like many unique species, Reimani Turtles are also in danger of becoming extinct in the future. Unfortunately, this species is often traded by international endemic reptile collectors. No wonder that these days, these turtles are often found in captivity instead of their natural habitat.
Besides in Papua, until the early 1970s, the snake-necked turtles were easily found throughout Rote Island. You could find them near forests or in rice fields, puddles, rivers, ditches, or along small lakes on the island.
The reproduction of these turtles also takes a while. The female turtles have to be at least six years old to be able to lay their eggs. It is not easy for them to find food around the areas they usually live. A female turtle can lay about eight to 14 eggs three times a year. The size of each egg can be about 30 x 20 mm. It can weigh between eight to ten kilograms.
The turtle’s hatchlings will hatch after three months of being incubated in nature. Once each hatches, a hatchling can measure about 28 x 20 mm. As they grow, the tiny hatchlings that are once pale will turn reddish or brownish gray. Once their skin turns completely brown, then the turtles have reached their maturity.
The snake-necked turtles have been classified as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN (International Union of Conservation Nature). Before they were described scientifically, these turtles had already been popular as exotic pets. Thankfully, the international trade on these indigenous animals in Papua was later banned completely in 2001. It was because the population of these turtles had decreased dramatically.
There was more sad news in Rote Island regarding these lovely creatures in 2019. These Reimani Turtles have completely gone extinct. Thankfully, some of them have been bred in different conservations outside these islands. Many people – especially those involved in saving these snake-necked turtles – have started a program re-introducing the turtles back into their natural habitation.
Are you also one of them? If you are concerned with the well-being of these indigenous animals in Papua, West Papua, and other areas, then it is time to take a stand. Step up to the game. Spread awareness on the importance of not exploiting the snake-necked turtles. They can be part of this region’s ecotourism.
Let’s hope that these lovely creatures can still be saved soon.
