Pig Nosed Turtle

Carettochelys insculpta 

Habitat & Distribution :  Northern Australia, Papua 

Diet : Fruits, flowers, crustaceans, molluscs 

Size : 75 cm 

Lifespan : 35-50 years

Description

Unlike any other species of freshwater turtle in its combination of traits. The feet are flippers, resembling marine turtles. The nose looks like a pig's, hence the common name. 

Behavior

The pig-nosed turtle is not completely aquatic. Little is known about its general behaviour, as there have been few studies in the wild. But they are quite aggressive and are thought to be very territorial 

Reproduction

Females of this species mature at 18 years old, whil the males at 16. When the offspring are fully developed, they will stay inside the eggs in hibernation until conditions are suitable for emergence. 

Communication & Perception

They communicate through low-frequency underwater sounds, including clicks, grunts, and raspy noises. They are social animals that use these vocalizations to coordinate group activities such as feeding, basking, nesting, and migrating. 

Predator(s)

Crocodiles, monitor lizards