Saw-shelled turtle

The Saw-shelled turtle may be observed in the rivers of the NSW north coast and hinterland as far south as the Richmond River system. It also is found in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Its name derives from the saw-toothed rear edge of its upper shell, although this feature is not always present in adults. Its plastron colour is variable.

The Saw-shelled turtle  is an omnivore, consuming both plants and animals, it has a preference for fish, tadpoles, frogs, crustaceans, snails, carrion, as well as aquatic and terrestrial insects.

The female Saw-shelled turtles’ nest from September to December and can have three to four clutches in one season consisting of 9-36 eggs. The eggs hatch after approximately 60 days before winter in about 60 days, with the incubation period shortened in southern regions.