There are a total of 310 species of turtles in the world. Swamp turtles are primarily those which are found in swamps including the Burmese eyes turtle (Morenia ocellata), African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus), diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), and the western swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina).Pseudemydura umbrina, or the western swamp turtle, is widely seen in swamp, marshes, and wetlands located in Perth, Western Australia. These turtles can also be called short necked tortoises due to their shot neck. You can also spot them at Perth Zoo or other nature reserves. The western swamp tortoise is an omnivorous being and feeds on both insects as well as plants, and certain fruits and berries. Urban development, pollution, climate change, and loss of habitat are major threats that impact the conservation status of this species. They are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List as they are a threatened species.This article will display some fun and interesting facts on the swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina). For more interesting content, check out the our articles about the green sea turtle and hawksbill sea turtle.
Fun Swamp Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
Swamp Turtle Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a swamp turtle?The western swamp tortoise is a freshwater turtle that belongs to the kingdom Animalia and order Testudines.What class of animal does a swamp turtle belong to?The swamp turtle is a type of turtle that belongs to the class Reptilia, family Chelidae and genus Pseudemydura.How many swamp turtles are there in the world?The exact populations of western swamp turtles is estimated at 200. Western swamp tortoises are found near Perth, Western Australia. Turtles are found in all regions of the world except Antarctica. Their populations are majorly impacted by climate change and urban development.Where does a swamp turtle live?The western swamp tortoise lives in swamps, clay swamps, marshland, and regions located near wetlands. The western swamp tortoise is seen primarily near Perth in Western Australia, and are few in number as they are a threatened species, so they are difficult to spot in their natural habitats.What is a swamp turtle’s habitat?The western swamp turtle’s habitat range constitutes swamp environments, clay swamps, marshland, and wetlands. During winters and spring season, the turtles take to the water where they feed on insects, larvae, and tadpoles. Their habitats remain constant throughout the wild however, now they are raised in captivity.Who do swamp turtles live with?The western swamp tortoise is similar to other species of turtles that prefer living as solitary beings and come together only during mating season. They are seldom spotted owing to the fact that they are on the verge of becoming endangered.How long does a swamp turtle live?Western swamp turtles can live until 60 years or more. The length of their life is majorly dependent on their diet, environment, and habitat. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 11-15 years. A tortoise named Jonathan is known to be the oldest tortoise in the world and is 187 years old.How do they reproduce?Sexual maturity is reached by the age of 11-15 years and males and females reproduce sexually. A western swamp turtle lays eggs in an underground nest and the eggs are covered to avoid any predators from noticing them. Predators of their eggs include the snake, crab, and skunk. The female turtle lays three to five eggs. The breeding season is from November to December. They lay eggs that are hard-shelled and hatch post-winter so winter is a crucial time during the breeding season. They take a long time to grow into a full-size animal after hatching.What is their conservation status?Western swamp turtles are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. They can be seen in regions near Perth or the Perth Zoo located in Western Australia. Recovery actions are essential to protect such species to secure the health of the environment and the ecosystem.Swamp Turtle Fun FactsWhat do swamp turtles look like?The western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina) is a medium-sized turtle that is dark brown to black in color with its shell. This tortoise has a short neck which is covered with tubercles knobbles, so this species can also be called a short-necked tortoise. Their facial features are similar to other turtles. They have small heads and they have webbed feet with five claws on each foot. The western swamp tortoise prefers living in freshwater. Western swamp tortoise females are relatively smaller in size. Females differ in both weight and length. Western swamp tortoises are rarely seen due to the fact that their population is majorly at threat.How cute are they?The western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina) is a cute and adorable species due to its description as a short neck turtle and its patterned shell.How do they communicate?The Pseudemydura umbrina squirt water and blink. Apart from this, they are known to communicate signals via biting and hissing. A western swamp tortoise communicates with other species of their own kind. Western swamp tortoises are largely considered silent beings and are seldom seen since they are a threatened species.How big is a swamp turtle?A male western swamp tortoise is 6.10 in (155mm) and a female is 5.31 in (135 mm) which is 10 times bigger than a Chersobius signatus which is the smallest turtle in the world, with a male measuring 2.4-3.1 in (6-8 cm) and a female measuring 3.9 in (10 cm).How fast can a swamp turtle move?The exact speed of a western swamp tortoise is not evaluated. The average turtle swims at a pace of 10-12 mph (16.09-19.31 kph.). They are only found in Western Australia.How much does a swamp turtle weigh?An average adult male swamp turtle weight is 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) and females weigh 0.90 lb (0.41 kg). Adult leatherback sea turtles are the largest living sea turtle weighing between 550-2000 lb (226-907.1 kg). What are the male and female names of the species?Male and female turtle adults are not addressed differently. Male and female swamp turtle adults differ in both body length and body weight as well as in reproductive functions.What would you call a baby swamp turtle?A baby swamp turtle is called a hatchling, plural are called hatchlings. Baby turtle hatchlings are mostly raised independently and they range in underground nests. They are referred to as a hatchling primarily because they hatch from their eggshell. They are now raised in captive breeding in a community and seen in nature reserves.What do they eat?A swamp turtle is primarily an omnivore. Western swamp tortoises stay within their community although they are largely solitary beings. The western swamp tortoise feeds on small invertebrates including insects and worms. Some may feed on plants and certain fruits, seeds, and berries. They need an ample amount of water in order to survive. Turtles can find water in an area through kinetic waves which they can recognize, and also include magnetic waves. Are they dangerous?No, these tortoises are not dangerous. These are raised through captive breeding now since they are threatened almost to the point of being considered endangered. Turtles are known to bite if they spot something edible, so it’s best to maintain a safe distance while observing them.Would they make a good pet?No, adult swamp turtles survive best in their home range natural habitat and nature reserves where they are collectively bred in a community or a zoo. They are not seen too often in the wild as they are nearly extinct, so it’s best to observe them at Perth Zoo in Australia. Did you know…A pint island turtle known as lonesome George died at 40 years old rendering the species extinct. It’s hard to revive extinct species which is why conservation programs are so important.‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ is a famous cartoon that constitutes seven seasons. The series covers the journey of mutant Ninja heroes from the department who are trained in martial arts and live in New York and are members of a group.There are various turtle zoos in the United States. Some include the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey, San Diego Zoo, Houston Zoo, and the Bronx Zoo. They can also be seen at Perth Zoo in Australia, and other zoos too should have some species of turtles displayed. Information related to the species will be available on department-related websites. There are also galleries and databases available online based on studies conducted by departments and officials. What eats the western swamp tortoise?Predators to the western swamp tortoise are cats and foxes. They are scarcely seen in the wild now and mostly raised in captivity. These turtles don’t hibernate or migrate through winter. Turtle eggs may be eaten by snakes and other egg-feeding animals as well so they are buried underground to keep them away from the purview of predators.What kind of turtles live in the swamp?Swamp turtles live in swamps, marshes, and wetlands. They spend equal time on wetlands and in rivers or streams. Swamp turtles are primarily those which are found in swamps including the Burmese eyes turtle (Morenia ocellata) found in southern Asia, the African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa) found in Africa, the West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus) found in West Africa, the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) found in the United States and Bermuda and finally the western swamp turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina). The western swamp turtle has a scarce distribution and it is mainly found in its home range near Perth in Western Australia. Their community and distribution is extremely small. Recovery actions are essential to regulate the populations of such species as their survival is essential for the sustenance of the environment and the ecosystem.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our cuban crocodile facts and mugger crocodile facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable swamp turtle coloring pages.
What type of animal is a swamp turtle?
The western swamp tortoise is a freshwater turtle that belongs to the kingdom Animalia and order Testudines.
Fun Swamp Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
Fun Swamp Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
Fun Swamp Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
Fun Swamp Turtle Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
What do they prey on? Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh? Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they? Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? Dark brown to black color
Skin Type Dry scales
What were their main threats? Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status? Critically Endangered
What do they prey on?
Earthworms, snails, frogs, slugs, and insects
What do they eat?
Omnivore
Average litter size?
3-5 eggs
How much do they weigh?
Males: 1.21 lb (0.55 kg) Female: 0.90 lb (0.41 kg)
How long are they?
Males: 6.10 in (15.5 cm) Females: 5.31 in (13.5 cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
Dark brown to black color
Skin Type
Dry scales
What were their main threats?
Cats And Foxes
What is their conservation status?
Critically Endangered
Where you’ll find them? Swamps And Wetlands
Locations Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
Where you’ll find them?
Swamps And Wetlands
Locations
Western Australia, Perth
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Pseudemydura
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Pseudemydura
Class Reptilia
Family Chelidae
