REPTILES

No native aquatic reptiles are known in hawai‘i, no doubt because of the difficulty vertebrates from freshwater habitats would have crossing the vast Pacific Ocean. Three (now 4) species of freshwater turtles have been introduced (McKeown, 1996) and may be observed around streams and ponds on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui (Chinese softshell only), and Hawai‘i (map turtle only). The Turtles are semiaquatic and lay their eggs on land, usually close to the water. Upon hatching, the juvenile turtle seeks suitable habitat, typically a pond or lake. Sizes of adults are given in the key as the shell length.

A curious feature on the Anahulu River in Hale‘iwa (northshore O‘ahu) is a regular gathering of honu (green sea turtle; Chelonia mydas) along the shore upstream of the Joseph P Leong Highway Bridge (Fig. V8-1). Tourists and locals alike paddle upstream on outrigger canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards to see these marine reptiles swimming and basking in the estuary.

An excellent source of information on turtle species found in Hawaiian Island fresh waters is a website of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program. Available information includes collection records, distribution maps, and photographs for each species (all fresh water reptiles in Hawai‘i are nonindigenous).