Emydura macquarii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emydura macquarii |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Macquarie turtle Emydura macquarii |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Emydura
|
| Species: |
macquarii
|
| Subspecies | |
|
|
The Macquarie turtle (Emydura macquarii) is a type of freshwater turtle. It lives in many rivers across the eastern part of Australia. You can find these turtles mainly in the Macquarie River area. They also live in other rivers along the coast of New South Wales and Queensland. You might even spot them on Fraser Island.
Contents
Discovery of the Macquarie Turtle
How the Turtle Was Found
The first Macquarie turtle was found a long time ago in 1824. Two explorers, René Lesson and Prosper Garnot, collected it. They were on a ship called La Coquille and visited Sydney, Australia. From there, they traveled to Bathurst. They found the turtle in the Macquarie River.
Who Named the Turtle?
A scientist named Georges Cuvier first wrote about the turtle in 1829. However, his description wasn't fully accepted. So, another scientist, John Edward Gray, officially described and named the species in 1831.
About the Macquarie Turtle
How to Tell Males and Females Apart
Macquarie turtles have a special way of determining if they will be male or female. Unlike many other turtles, their sex is decided by their chromosomes, not by the temperature of their eggs. This is called the XY sex-determination system. It can be tricky to tell if a young turtle is a boy or a girl. But as they grow bigger, it becomes much easier to see the differences.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The scientific name for the Macquarie turtle is Emydura macquarii. The first part, Emydura, comes from two Greek words. Emys means "freshwater turtle," and oura means "tail." So, it means "freshwater turtle with a tail." The second part, macquarii, refers to the Macquarie River. This is where the first turtle of its kind was found. The river itself was named after Governor Lachlan Macquarie.
Different Types of Macquarie Turtles
There are different types, or subspecies, of the Macquarie turtle. Some of these subspecies are named after people. For example, one type is called emmotti. This name honors Angus Emmott, an Australian farmer and naturalist. Another type is called krefftii. This name honors Gerard Krefft, a naturalist from Germany who lived in Australia.
Other Names for the Turtle
People call the Macquarie turtle by several common names. These include the Murray River turtle, eastern short-necked turtle, and southern river turtle.
Conservation Status
Protecting the Macquarie Turtle
In South Australia, the Macquarie turtle is listed as 'vulnerable'. This means that its population is at risk. Laws are in place to help protect these turtles and make sure they can thrive in their natural homes.
Images for kids
-
Emydura macquarii holotype: MNHN 9409, dorsal view
-
Emydura macquarii holotype: MNHN 9409, ventral view
