Brazilian snake-necked turtle | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Pleurodira |
Family: | Chelidae |
Genus: | Hydromedusa |
Species: | H. maximiliani
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Binomial name | |
Hydromedusa maximiliani | |
Synonyms [2] | |
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The Brazilian snake-necked turtle (Hydromedusa maximiliani ), locally known as cágado da serra, and also commonly known as Maximilian's snake-necked turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Chelidae. The species is endemic to southeastern Brazil. [3] It is one of the smallest Brazilian freshwater turtles reaching a maximum straight carapace length of 20 cm (7.9 in). The species prefers streams with sandy and rocky bottoms and clear water in forests above 600 m (2,000 ft) elevation. [3]
The specific name, maximiliani, is in honor of German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied. [4]
First described as Emys maximiliani by Mikan (1825), [1] it was subsequently moved to the genus Hydromedusa by Wagler (1830). [5] Several other species described later have since been synonymized with this species. [3] There are no recognised subspecies. [3]
The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is a small species reaching a straight carapace length of between 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) with a weight of 120–520 g (4.2–18.3 oz). [3] The carapace of the adult is oval in shape varying in color from dark gray, through to dark or light brown. [3] The plastron is a yellow or cream color. The species has a moderate-sized head with a small snout and yellowish jaws, with no barbels on the chin. The iris is black. [3] The dorsal surface of the head, neck and limbs are olive green to gray in color with a lighter cream-colored ventral surface. [3]
The Brazilian snake-necked turtle is endemic to southeastern Brazil, in the states of Bahia, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. [3] The distribution is associated with the mountainous Atlantic rainforest. As a generalization it is found in mountain streams above 600 m (2,000 ft). [6]
The species is found in shallow streams from 15 to 100 cm (6–39 in) in depth, with clear, cold water and sandy or rocky substrates. [7] Because of the dense canopy and closed understory of the forests the streams receive little sunlight making basking only possible in gaps along the stream. [8]
Some populations of this species, H. maximiliani, occur within protected areas and are hence afforded some protection from deforestation and pollution which are considered major threats. [3] In regions outside these protected areas the species may be becoming fragmented and may therefore become increasingly vulnerable in the future. [3]
"Hydromedusa maximiliani". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.1996