Chinese stripe-necked turtle
Alert
Have you seen Chinese stripe-necked turtle?
Be on the lookout for Chinese stripe-necked turtle and report it to Biosecurity Queensland. Early detection and reporting are the key elements in preventing Chinese stripe-necked turtles from becoming a major problem in Queensland.
Call us on 13 25 23.
Chinese stripe-necked turtle on branch
© Howard Cheng Creative Commons
Chinese stripe-necked turtle shell
© Queensland Government
Chinese stripe-necked turtle showing neck
© Queensland Government
Native to parts of China, Vietnam and Korea, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle is a freshwater turtle with a black and yellow striped neck. It is an aggressive species that can out-compete other turtles for food and space. Only 1 Chinese stripe-necked turtle has ever been found in the wild in Australia (in Toowoomba, in 2014). However, the species has the potential to become invasive if feral populations establish here.
You must not keep, feed, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.
Scientific name
Other names
- Golden thread turtle
Similar species
Description
- Freshwater turtle up to 30cm long.
- Neck is striped yellow and black.
- Shell is reddish-brown to black, with yellow stripes.
- Underside of shell is yellow.
- Head is narrow.
- Jaw and chin are cream-coloured.
- Females are larger than males.
- Chinese stripe-necked turtles retract their heads straight back into their shells, unlike native turtles, which tuck their heads in on the side. This is the most reliable characteristic for distinguishing between the two.
- Claws are also longer than those of native turtles.
Habitat
- Prefers freshwater wetlands (often slow-moving waters with muddy substrate).
Distribution
- Single specimen detected in Toowoomba in 2014, first record of species in Australia.
- Not currently known to exist in wild anywhere in Queensland.
Life cycle
- Can live for 23 years in captivity.
- Lays clutches of 7–17 eggs in summer.
- Prolific breeder in captivity.
- Dispersal occurs during floods when individuals move into new pools.
Impacts
Environmental
- Affects range of aquatic prey, including rare amphibians.
- Can take over waterbird nests for basking sites, and damage and prey on eggs and hatchlings.
- Out-competes native turtle species for food and space in waterways.
- Carries pathogens and diseases that can kill native turtles and other aquatic wildlife.
Social
- Potential source of salmonella infection in humans.
Control
If you see or are in possession of a Chinese striped-necked turtle, contact our Customer Service Centre within 24 hours.
Legal requirements
- The Chinese stripe-necked turtle is a prohibited invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
- You must not keep, move, give away, sell or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
- You must not take any action reasonably likely to exacerbate the biosecurity threat posed by Chinese stripe-necked turtle.
- You must take any action that is reasonably likely to minimise the biosecurity threat posed by Chinese stripe-necked turtle.
- You must report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours.