Hailing from the small Indonesian island of Rote, it boasts a distinctive long neck that does not retract into its shell but bends to tuck alongside its body. This unique feature gives it a serpentine appearance derived from its common name.

This species prefers the tranquility of shallow inland waters, such as lakes and marshes, which provide ample opportunities for basking and foraging. These turtles are also known to inhabit the waterlogged rice fields that are common in the region, providing food and refuge. During the dry season, they often seek shelter behind boulders or within dense foliage to conserve moisture and escape the heat.

Unlike some other turtle species that might burrow into the mud or adopt a state of dormancy during unfavorable conditions, the Roti Island snake-necked turtle does not typically exhibit such behavior, even in the mangrove habitats that fringe their home island.

The survival of the Roti Island snake-necked turtle is under serious threat. Human activities such as agriculture and the deliberate setting of fires around lake edges destroy their habitat, directly killing many turtles and exposing those that survive to predators. Additionally, the exotic allure of this species has made it a prime target for the international pet trade. Despite a dramatic decline in their numbers, they still command high prices on the black market, which fuels continued poaching and illegal trade.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

East Timor

2018

Indonesia

2018

Lesser Sunda Is.