Hydromedusa maximiliani (Mikan 1825) – Maximilian’s Snake-Necked Turtle, Brazilian Snake-Necked Turtle

Abstract

Maximilian’s snake-necked turtle, Hydromedusa maximiliani (Family Chelidae), is a small freshwater turtle endemic to eastern and southeastern Brazil with a distribution associ- ated with Atlantic rain forest mountainous regions. The species inhabits streams with clear, cold water and sandy or rocky bottoms within the primary forest above 600 m elevation. The species is common in some areas but human induced threats associated with demographic factors may have a negative impact on H. maximiliani populations inhabiting regions not encompassed by protected areas.