FRESHWATER TURTLES

There are no freshwater Turtles native to New Zealand however there are many varieties kept as pets here. Following is a list of Turtles that I have either kept, or have seen in private collections throughout New Zealand. Click on the names in red to show further information on these species.

Red-eared Turtle Trachemys scripta elegans

Cumberland's Turtle Trachemys scripta troostii

Eastern Snake-neck Turtle Chelodina longicollis

Oblong Turtle Macrodiremys oblonga

Broad Shelled Turtle Macrochelodina expansa

Macquarie River Turtle Emydura macquarii macquarii

Australian Painted Turtle Emydura subglobosa

Western Black Bridged Leaf Turtle Cyclemys atripons

Asian Leaf Turtle Cyclemys dentata

Asian Spiny Turtle Heosemys spinosa

Eastern River Cooter Pseudemys concinna concinna

Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta picta

Reeve's Turtle Mauremys reevesii

Diamond Back Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin

Soft-shelled Turtles Trionyx sp.

There are also a lot of other species of Turtles that were seen here in New Zealand in the Pet Trade back in the 1960's - 70's that are no doubt still alive today in peoples homes. Turtles, if well cared for, can live for 50 years or more!