Irwin's Turtle
Irwins Turtle (Elseya irwini)
An Australian turtle species that lives in the Broken-Bowen river system and the lower Burdekin River. It was named after its discoverer, the late Steve Irwin, who was a famous zoologist and TV personality.
In actual fact, Bob Irwin, who is Steve Irwins dad, first caught this animal on a fishing line in 1997 during a family camping trip. Neither Steve or Bob Irwin had ever seen this type of turtle before, so Steve Irwin sent it to John Cann who is a turtle expert. Cann verified that it was a new species. It has a large but short neck with an upper shell that is just over 300mm long, and 240mm wide.
Its mouth, nose, and eyes have a rosy pink tinge to it. Female Irwins turtles have a pale head, with a yellow horny skin on the top of its head. It is just algae growing on the ones head in the photo just in case you thought they all looked like this!
This species cannot be kept in Victoria as it is not on the Victorian wildlife species list but for states who are allowed to keep them contact craig@turtles.net.au. Turtles require a solid commitment, because they can live 30 years+, require a very specific living environment which includes UVB lighting,heating,water conditioning and correct diet.
Irwins Turtle (Elseya irwini)
An Australian turtle species that lives in the Broken-Bowen river system and the lower Burdekin River. It was named after its discoverer, the late Steve Irwin, who was a famous zoologist and TV personality.
In actual fact, Bob Irwin, who is Steve Irwins dad, first caught this animal on a fishing line in 1997 during a family camping trip. Neither Steve or Bob Irwin had ever seen this type of turtle before, so Steve Irwin sent it to John Cann who is a turtle expert. Cann verified that it was a new species. It has a large but short neck with an upper shell that is just over 300mm long, and 240mm wide.
Its mouth, nose, and eyes have a rosy pink tinge to it. Female Irwins turtles have a pale head, with a yellow horny skin on the top of its head. It is just algae growing on the ones head in the photo just in case you thought they all looked like this!
This species cannot be kept in Victoria as it is not on the Victorian wildlife species list but for states who are allowed to keep them contact craig@turtles.net.au. Turtles require a solid commitment, because they can live 30 years+, require a very specific living environment which includes UVB lighting,heating,water conditioning and correct diet.
