Podocnemididae

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Podocnemididae
Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis)
Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Pleurodira
Family: Podocnemididae

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:

[edit] References

Podocnemididae. Retrieved on 2008-01-22.