Podocnemididae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Podocnemididae | ||||||||||||
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 Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis)
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Podocnemididae is a family of turtles native to Madagascar and northern South America. They are side-necked turtles which means they do not retract their heads backwards, but fold it along their side. These turtles are all aquatic, inhabiting streams, and other flowing water. Their shells are streamlined to aid in swimming.
[edit] Taxonomy
The Podocnemididae family has been considered as a subfamily (Podocnemidinae) of the Pelomedusidae family. Some authors still maintain this classification.
The family Podocnemididae contains three genera, these are:
- Genus Erymnochelys (Madagascar big-headed turtles)
- Genus Peltocephalus (Big-headed Amazon turtles)
- Genus Podocnemis (South American side-necked river turtles)
[edit] References
Podocnemididae. Retrieved on 2008-01-22.
