News & Events

Species Spotlight: Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle

Meet the unique Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle!

This funky turtle is striking to all who see it, thanks to its unique, snake-like neck that extends far beyond its body and is almost as long as the shell itself! These turtles evolved a serpentine neck to aid them in hunting and striking at small prey items like amphibians, crustaceans, fish, and insects.

The Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle is divided into two subspecies, the Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina mccordi mccordi) and Timor-Leste Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina mccordi timorensis).

The Rote subspecies is found in Indonesia, specifically on its namesake Rote Island, a tiny island just 310 miles (500 km) north of Australia. Sadly, this turtle is presumed extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction, collection for the pet trade, and the introduction of predatory fish. At our Turtle Survival Center, we host a genetically diverse assurance colony of the Rote Island Snake-necked Turtles to help ensure its future existence. Since 2019, we have produced 63 hatchlings, including ten this year!

You can help support our operations at the TSC by donating or becoming a member today!

• Pictured: Rote Island Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina mccordi mccordi)
• Countries of Origin: Indonesia (Rote Island)
• Habitat: Small, shallow lakes, swamps, marshes, and rice paddies
• Wild Population: Presumed extinct in the wild; estimated population reduction greater than 99%
• IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
• Threats: Habitat destruction, alteration, and conversion; collection for the pet trade; pollution; introduced predatory fish