Carrying a striking green mohawk and a spiked chin, the Mary river turtle is one of the world’s most endangered species, placing #30 out of 100 on the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) endangered species list.
This turtle can grow up to 40cm long and beyond the killer hairdo and ominous chin, the Mary river turtle has strands of algae growing along its body. This algae is also the source of its punk style hair.
What truly makes this animal stand out is the gill-like organ inside its cloaca. This orifice, also used for excretion and mating, allow it to stay underwater for up to an 72 hours.
The 40cm long turtle, which is only found on the Mary river in Queensland, features in a new list of the most vulnerable reptile species compiled by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). It’s a docile turtle and has become a popular pet.
#1 on the ZSL endangered species list, which includes amphibians, birds, corals, and mammals, is the Madagascar big-headed turtle.
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