Cann, J. 1997. The Northern Yellow Faced Turtle. Monitor (1997)9(1):24-29; 34-35.
Emydura tanybaraga sp. nov. Holotype A.M.R125498 Collected by A. Georges
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Paratypes: All specimens are from the same location as the Holotype. A.M. R31723-4. A.M.R128999 whole juveniles. A.M. R125499, A.M. R125492, (see Georges & Adams, species examined, 1992) juveniles with shell split at the bridges. A.M. R125498 adult male with shell split at the bridges, N.T.M. R20416 adult male.
Etymology
Tanybaraga is the name given to the adult yellow-faced turtle in the Daly River, the species
name is to be used as a noun in apposition. This is pronounced tanybar-arrga.
Diagnosis
Four species of Emydura occur in the waterways of the Northern Territory and Western Australia;
Emydura australis, Emydura victoriae, Emydura worrelli and Emydura
tanybaraga. The last three are known from the Daly River. Emydura tanybaraga is a yellow
faced turtle with prominent dark markings through the iris as the level of the pupil. In aged individuals
a large broad palate covers approximately half the roof of the mouth, but maintains a medial division
at all ages.
The facial colouration distinguishes this turtle from Emydura australis, Emydura
vicroriae and populations of Emydura worrelli in the Northern Territory, which all have a
reddish-pink colouration to the face.
Facial colouration fades with age in all of these species. However, the presence of dark markings
through the eye and a median division to the palate in aged E. tanybaraga will further
distinguish this turtle from similarly aged individuals of E. australis and E. victorine which
have no dark markings through the eye and have broad, undivided palates.
E. tanybaraga and E. worrelli can have similar eye markings and palate shape until
well into maturity, at this stage tanybaraga's palate becomes larger.