Genetic Research Discovers a New Turtle Species in the Chelus Genus with Unusual Appearance and Hunting Behavior
Scientists from the Senckenberg Research Institute (Germany) have described a new species of Mata Mata turtle based on genetic analyses. The research was published in the journal Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.
Mata Mata turtle has a strange appearance. (Image: Phys).
The newly discovered Mata Mata turtle, belonging to the Chelus genus, was found hiding in muddy layers, with a body length of up to 53 cm, resembling a stone covered in green algae. When prey approaches, the turtle uses its nose to suck in the prey and quickly swallows it whole.
“The newly discovered turtle species has a bizarre appearance and unusual hunting behavior, and currently, information about its genetic variation is still limited,” said Professor Uwe Fritz from the Senckenberg Research Institute, noting that until now, the Chelus genus included only one species, the Chelus fimbriata.
Using 75 DNA samples, the research team indicated that the new species has significant genetic and morphological differences, residing in the Orinoco (South America) and Río Negro (Argentina) river basins, while Chelus fimbriata is confined to the Amazon River basin.
According to the study, the two species diverged during the Miocene epoch (approximately 13 million years ago). During this period, the Amazon and Orinoco river basins began to separate into the two river basins we know today. Many aquatic species became spatially isolated and began to diverge genetically.
“Based on habitat studies, we decided to further examine the genetic structure of this species,” Uwe Fritz noted.
Male Mata Mata turtles have longer and wider tails than females.
Mata Mata turtles are also very large, typically growing to 43 – 45 cm. The largest recorded specimen reached 61 cm. Females are generally larger than males. Like other adult turtles, males have longer and wider tails compared to females. Although these turtles are widely known for their bizarre appearance and hunting behavior, there is very little information about their variation and genetics.
Mata Mata turtles have extremely poor eyesight, but other sensory aids allow them to detect movement in the murky substrate in which they live.
The Mata Mata turtle is a sedentary species with a flat, triangular head. Its snout is tubular and has a horn-like structure. They resemble a dead leaf and have a light yellow color. Due to the leaf-like appearance of their shell, they are also known as the dead leaf turtle. Mata Mata turtles are characterized by their very sturdy carapace. When threatened, turtles can retract their heads, tails, and limbs into their shells.
They prefer to live in muddy rivers or slow-moving waters. When a Mata Mata turtle breathes, it only extends its neck, pulling its snout out of the water without exposing any other part of its body. They are usually active in shallow waters, and their snouts can breathe underwater. Mata Mata turtles are not apex predators in their habitat. However, numerous evolutionary adaptations and mimetic appearances give them a relatively high predatory capability.
They prefer to live in muddy rivers or slow-moving waters.
This carnivorous turtle primarily feeds on fish and aquatic invertebrates. They may also eat birds and small mammals that come into the water.
The research team assessed that the Mata Mata turtle is not currently threatened with extinction, similar to other turtles in the Chelus genus. The team continues to study the habitat characteristics and reproductive capabilities of this new turtle species.
