Once a popular pet in the sixties and seventies, the exotic Mary River Turtle, native to Queensland, Australia now faces near extinction. One of the world’s most peculiar looking turtles, strands of green algae sprout from its head making it look like a punk rocker ready for a Led Zepplin concert. This amazing creature which breathes from its genitals is rapidly declining in numbers and now a highly endangered species. Besides footage captured of this mohawk sporting punk turtle in the wild, here are some unique facts about the Mary River Turtle and why it is so endangered.
It Breathes through its anus
One of the most extraordinary traits of the Mary River turtle is its ability to breathe underwater through gill-like structures in its cloaca (a posterior opening used for excretion and reproduction). Yes, you could say it also breathes from its anus. This remarkable adaptation allows the turtle to stay submerged for extended periods, up to three days, reducing its need to surface for air and thus avoiding predators.
Distinctive Appearance: Green Algae ‘Hair’
The turtle’s appearance is what makes it so famous. It is often seen with strands of algae growing on its shell and head, giving it a green-haired punk rock look. In captivity however, the turtle sports a cleaner look. This quirky feature has made the Mary River turtle a fascinating subject for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Endemic to the Mary River
As its name suggests, the Mary River turtle is found only in the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. This freshwater habitat is crucial to the species, but river pollution and the destruction of its ecosystem are pushing the turtle towards extinction. Changes to the river’s natural flow and quality due to agricultural activities, construction of dams, and water pollution have significantly impacted its survival.
Evolutionary Uniqueness
The Mary River turtle diverged from other modern species around 40 million years ago, making it one of the most evolutionarily distinct turtles alive today. Its evolutionary heritage and the unique ecological role it plays make its preservation critical. According to the Zoological Society of London’s EDGE list (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered), the turtle ranks high due to its evolutionary uniqueness and its risk of extinction.
It has a Long Tail
One striking feature of the male Mary River turtle is its exceptionally long tail, which can grow to nearly two-thirds the length of its carapace. Unlike modern turtles, the tail retains haemal arches, a characteristic of ancient reptiles that has been lost in other contemporary species. Additionally, the turtle is equipped with unusually long barbels beneath its mandible, serving as sensory organs. This tail can extend up to 70% longer than the length of its shell, showcasing the species’ distinctive physical adaptations.
Slow Reproduction and Long Juvenile Stage
The species’ slow reproduction cycle exacerbates its population decline. Mary River turtles have a lengthy juvenile stage, taking up to 25 to 30 years to reach sexual maturity. This extended development period makes it difficult for the population to recover from losses caused by human activity and natural threats.
Habitat Degradation and Water Pollution
Habitat loss remains one of the biggest threats to the Mary River turtle. Human activities like clearing riverside vegetation, water pollution from agricultural runoff, and the construction of weirs disrupt the natural flow and quality of water. These environmental changes, combined with predation, significantly threaten the survival of the species.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to conserve the Mary River turtle are underway, focusing on protecting its natural habitat and raising awareness about its plight. Scientists and conservationists are working to restore riverbank vegetation, improve water quality, and reduce harmful human impacts on the river system.
A Punk Symbol for Conservation
The turtle’s punk-rock appearance has become an emblem for conservation campaigns. With its green “hair,” the Mary River turtle has gained international attention, helping to raise awareness of the importance of preserving not only this species but also other lesser-known endangered reptiles.
Urgent Need for Action
Despite efforts, the Mary River turtle is facing near extinction. It now features on the red list of the IUCN and its population has declined by almost 95%. As of 2018, statistics pointed out an alarming figure of less than 136 left in the wild. However, current numbers state there are less than a 1000. One of the main reasons for the rapid decline is frequent raids on its nesting sites in the past to acquire the turtle as a pet.
Immediate and sustained conservation actions are essential to prevent the extinction of the Mary River Turtle. Protecting its habitat, regulating agricultural practices, and preventing further destruction of the river ecosystem are critical steps toward ensuring the survival of this unique species. However, it faces an uphill battle due to habitat destruction, pollution, and past exploitation. Without continued conservation efforts, this remarkable reptile may soon disappear.
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