Carettochelys insculpta

(Ramsay, 1886)

Vernacular names
English : Pig-nosed turtle
French : Tortue à nez de cochon

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Carettochelyidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species reaches up to 46 cm in length for a weight of 22.5 kg. Unmistakable with its flipper-like limbs and its elongated cylindrical nose. Shell has a leathery texture. Upperparts are olive-brown to dark gray, underparts are cream.

Range and habitat
This species only occurs in the river systems of Northern Territory in Australia and southern New Guinea. Lives in rivers and estuaries, often near or in ribbonweed beds.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has declined catastrophically in many parts of its range because of hunting for meat and trophies, and destruction of its habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Freshwater Turtles” page