One of the most unique and quirky reptiles in the world. Found only in the Mary River in Queensland, Australia, this freshwater turtle stands out because of its strange appearance and fascinating traits. It’s often called the “punk turtle” because of the spiky green algae that grows on its head, giving it a mohawk-style hairdo. This isn’t just for show – the algae help the turtle blend into its surroundings. Its face is a bit odd, too, with a small, almost smiling mouth and a cute, stubby nose.

One of the most interesting things about the Mary River turtle is how it breathes. Unlike most turtles, which rely on lungs, this turtle has the ability to breathe through its butt – yes, really! It has special glands near its tail that allow it to absorb oxygen from the water. This unusual skill lets it stay underwater for up to three days at a time without coming up for air. That’s a pretty handy trick when you’re trying to hide from predators or just chill at the bottom of a river. Because of this, it’s sometimes called a “bum-breather” by those who know about its weird talent.

This turtle is also known for being one of the slowest to mature. It takes about 25 to 30 years for a Mary River turtle to reach adulthood. That means they don’t reproduce very often, which has made them more vulnerable over the years. Sadly, the species has become endangered because of habitat destruction and the pet trade in the 1960s and 70s, when their eggs were collected in large numbers. Now, conservationists are working hard to protect what’s left of their population and their river home.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

EN

1996

Queensland