Biology of the Reptilia: Laboratory 7: Reptiles of the World, Michele and Brad

For this lab, we went to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and observed reptiles from across the world. It was interesting to see some of the diversity of reptiles from around the world and see some of the interesting adaptations different species have in different parts of the world. In this blog we have a list of the species we observed at the zoo and the pictures we took.

Testudines

Family Carettochelyidae: Carettochelys insculpta (Pig-nosed turtle)

C. insculpta are native to freshwater streams, lagoons and rivers of Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are omnivorous and feed on a wide variety of things.

Family Chelidae: Phrynops hilarii (Spot Bellied/Hilaire’s Side-necked Turtle)

These turtles are found in Brazil, Buenos Aires, Uruguay, and Argentina and are commonly found basking near deep, slow moving water.

Family Chelidae: Emydura subglobosa (Red-bellied Side-necked Turtle)

Family Chelidae: Chelodina mccordi (McCord's/Roti Island Snake-necked Turtle)

This turtle has been over-collected for the pet trade and is critically endangered. They are found in Roti Island and Indonesia in rice fields, swamps and lakes.

Family Testudinidae: Pyxis arachnoids (Spider Tortoise)

These turtles are critically endangered. Females only lay one egg per season so populations have a hard time growing once they have been so severely depleted.

Family Geoemydidae: Cuora galbinifrons (Indochinese Box Turtle)