|
What are Chelonians?
Chelonians are reptiles with shells. Most have hard shells great for protection except the softshell turtle. There are land turtles, aquatic turtles, sea turtles, and tortoises.
|
|
|
Straight Necked Turtles
Turtles which can not withdraw their head into their shell for protection. They are in the family: Chelydridae, they include snapping turtles of North America and the Big-Headed turtle of South East Asia. |
Fresh Water Turtles
Found in North America and Europe. They are in the Family: Emydidae, they include pond turtles, box turtles and water turtles.
|
|
|
|
Pig-Nosed Turtles
This turtle is in the family: Carettochelyidae. It is the only turtle in this family. |
Soft-Shell Turtles
Aquatic turtles witch disc-shaped shells. They are in the family: Trionychidae.
|
|
|
|
River Turtles
The family is: Dermatemydidae, there is only one species in this family, the Mesoamerican River Turtle of Central America. |
Mud and Musk Turtles
Small to medium sized turtles, which are mainly aquatic, found mainly in the Americas but also in Asia. They are in the family: Kinosternidae.
|
|
|
|
Sideneck Turtles
There are three families of side neck turtles: Chelidae (includes American sideneck turtles and Snake-necked turtles), Pelomedusidae (African sideneck turtles), and Podocnemididae (American sideneck turtles) |
Sea Turtles
Found in practically every ocean of the world. They never leave the ocean except when mating and when females lay eggs. There are 2 families: Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae (Leather back sea turtles).
|
|
|
|
Tortoises
Mostly found in the desert but also in rainforests. Mostly large but there are small species. Known to live much longer than most animals, and completley vegetarian. |
|
|
|
