Fun Roti Island Snake-necked Turtle Facts For Kids

For the past few years, turtles are being desired worldwide. The exact reason for this is unknown. However, this has only pushed them towards extinction due to illegal trades which are not just local but also international. One other turtle which is on the list is the Roti snake-necked turtle also known as McCord's snakeneck turtle. They are captivating turtles that can only be found on the Rotie island of Indonesia. They were later split into two different groups Chelodina mccordi rotensis and Chelodina mcordi timorensis. Both groups belong to the Rote island, the former belongs to the eastern side while the latter is on the western side. Both the groups are very similar.

To know more about the Roti snake-necked turtle keep reading and if you are interested, read about softshell turtle and map turtle.

What type of animal is a Roti Island snake-necked turtle?

The Roti Island snake-necked turtle is a type of turtle.

What class of animal does a Roti Island snake-necked turtle belong to?

The Roti Island snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi) belongs to the Reptilia class and Chelidae family.

How many Roti Island snake-necked turtles are there in the world?

The population of this species has declined dramatically since 2001, to the point where legal trading in them has been prohibited. However, the exact number of individuals remaining is unclear. There are only two species of this turtle left on Roti Island.

Where does a Roti Island snake-necked turtle live?

The Roti Island snake-necked turtle species (Chelodina mccordi) are exclusively found on the Rote island of Indonesia. It has two populations that are scattered across a 70-square-kilometer area to the east and west. The western population is comparatively larger and is situated in the main island's southwestern and mid-central interior plateau region, whereas the eastern population is found in the northeastern Lakes and along the southeastern boundary.

What is a Roti Island snake-necked turtle's habitat?

This freshwater species has a relatively small range. Their usual habitat consists of semi-permanent shallow inland lakes and marshes, particularly those that are nutrient-rich. They also live in nearby rice fields. Since they are not totally dependent on wet environments, they can be found hidden behind boulders and dense foliage during the dry seasons. They do not prefer to burrow in the mangrove habitat or to remain dormant. According to the locals, they are often seen in streams.

Who do Roti Island snake-necked turtles live with?

This turtle species is solitary, living most of its life secluded from fellow mates except for hibernation periods. During this period they are found in pairs under a rock.

How long does a Roti Island snake-necked turtle live?

Snake-necked turtles typically live into their 30s. This species reaches sexual maturity at a much later age, around the age of seven or eight. As a result, the lifespan of the individuals might be between 30-32 years. This is just an approximation.

How do they reproduce?

They are oviparous and reproduce by breeding which begins in the early days of February and lasts until the end of September. The breeding process is initiated by males. They mate in moist areas, primarily in water bodies, and have many sexual partners. They travel to fairly dry areas after mating, and eggs are placed in safe locations following a 146-day gestation period. Typically, the female lays one clutch of 9-13 eggs. In late November, hatchlings can be observed.

What is their conservation status?

Populations were reduced significantly in 2001 as a result of trade which has put them on the verge of extinction. As per the IUCN Red List, the conservation status of this species in Rote Island (Indonesia) is Critically Endangered. They are designated in CITES Appendix I as having a zero export quota, which means that transporting it is prohibited. 

What do Roti Island snake-necked turtles look like?

In comparison to other turtles in their family (Chelidae), this species is medium-sized. They are light gray-brown to chestnut brown in color. The head and neck feature rough, spiky projections and are darker than the shell. The carapace is tough and has a dull brown hue. The yellow bottom shell, as it approaches the tail, it broadens. Females are heavier and larger than males. The carapace is hard and has a dull brown color. The neck is about two-thirds of the length of the carapace, and the iris is black with yellow rims.

How cute are they?

The fascinating beauty of these turtles has put them in the spotlight, causing them to be listed as a Critically Endangered species in the IUCN Red List. The spiky projections on them are rarely seen in other turtles which makes them one-of-a-kind.

How do they communicate?

Data on the communication method of Chelodina mccordiis vague. It is assumed that they communicate by the emission of pheromones. They also convey messages by moving their body and by making contact. Other senses such as visual and aural are utilized to identify predators and other hazards in their habitat.

How big is a Roti Island snake-necked turtle?

The carapace length of these turtles is between 7-9.4 in (18-24 cm) while in the juveniles it is 1 in (2.5 cm).

How fast can a Roti Island snake-necked turtle move?

The speed at which this species travel is unknown.

How much does a Roti Island snake-necked turtle weigh?

The Roti Island snake-necked turtle (Chelodina mccordi) weighs around 1.3 lb (0.602 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

The male and female populations of this species have no specific names. They are either called turtles of Rote Island (Indonesia) or McCord's snakeneck turtle.

What would you call a baby Roti Island snake-necked turtle?

The baby Roti Island snake-necked turtle is called a turtlet.

What do they eat?

The snake-necked turtle Chelodina mccordi feeds on fish, tadpoles, water plants, insects such as water striders, and plankton. The long neck ad strong jaw aids in catching the prey quickly. They are often eaten by feral pigs, wading birds, water rats.

Are they dangerous?

Snake-necked turtles can sometimes be dangerous. They have strong jaws and can bite. Their bites can cause a lot of pain. Once they get a hold of you it is hard to make them let go. However, this is very unlikely and rare. They are venomous. The venom is not strong enough to harm humans it is only meant to kill their prey or injure predators. This species also possesses spiky projections on its neck, although it is unknown what harm these might do it is better to keep a distance.

Would they make a good pet?

Absolutely not. This species is on the verge of extinction and the last thing they need is to be held as pets, away from their natural habitat. Their populations are said to do well only in specific conditions which might be hard to meet unless you are a professional.

Did you know...

The neck of this species is so long that they find it difficult to fit it back into the shell. Instead, they tuck their neck sideways.

This turtle is endemic to the Rote island, Indonesia.

Why are Roti Island snake-necked turtles endangered?

This species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers have been severely depleted as a result of the worldwide pet trade, which has also driven them to the brink of extinction. Another cause for this is the loss of habitat. These turtles already have a small range. Suitable habitat is further dwindling within that range. The Ministry of Forestry Decree considers this species to be a national conservation priority. However, the government of Indonesia has made very little contribution towards the conservation of these turtles.

How many eggs do Roti Island snake-necked turtles lay?

This species belonging to the Rote island, Indonesia produces 9-13 eggs. The males initiate the breeding process and they mate in water. Once the courtship is over the male species grabs the carapace of the female species with his sharp claws from behind and starts mating.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Mangrove snake facts and Anaconda snake interesting facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Roti island snake-necked turtle coloring pages.

Main image by H. Zell.

Second image by Postdlf,