Here’s to the Long-necks

When I was young a ‘long-neck’ referred to one of the larger bottles of beer that you could buy. These days now that I am more eco-savvy it refers to a type of turtle.

The Eastern Long-necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) is found throughout south-eastern Australia. It feeds on insects, worms, frogs, fish and crustaceans. It is sometimes known as a Stinker because if disturbed it will emit an offensive odour from musk glands. I never get that close to them to find out. In our dam they float with only their nostrils and eyes above the water level (pictured above) and soon disappear below the surface if disturbed.

Recently I had the rare pleasure of seeing one basking in the sun on a log (pictured right). It is obvious why the alternative name is the Snake-necked Turtle.