Buzz
Turtles are among the most ancient reptiles, dating back approximately 220 million years. These creatures are found in both land and sea environments, protected by a hard bony shell that has evolved to defend them from predators. There are about 300 known species of turtles, each with its own distinct features, but some are truly one-of-a-kind.
10. Spiny Turtle
The spiny turtle—Heosemys spinosa—is a remarkable species found in Southeast Asia. This turtle is renowned for its unique shell, and like many other species, it faces threats from overhunting for food and the destruction of its natural habitat, leading to a significant decline in its population in recent years.
The turtle’s shell has a cog-like structure, with a ring of spikes around the edge. These spikes are sharper in younger turtles, becoming more rounded as they mature. The spiked shell serves a dual purpose: protecting the young turtles from predators and acting as camouflage by blending in with leaf litter. The brown coloration further enhances this mimicry of fallen leaves.
9. Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle has a fascinating and unique trait—it expels urine through its mouth. This rare ability helps the turtle conserve body fluids in salty water environments, preventing dehydration. In contrast to most animals, only six percent of the urine is excreted through its kidneys. This method allows the turtle to avoid poisoning from briny water, as it can expel excess salt through its mouth, which is then rinsed out with fresh water.
Like many other turtles, this species is considered a delicacy in various parts of Asia. In China alone, approximately 1,500 turtle farms produce and sell over 90 million turtles annually. Due to the high demand in the culinary market, the species is now classified as vulnerable. Native to China, Japan, Taiwan, northern Vietnam, and eastern Russia, it has also been introduced to regions like Malaysia, Hawaii, and even California.
8. Mary River Turtle
The Mary River turtle is exclusively found in Queensland's Mary River, Australia, and displays a variety of colors such as red, pink, brown, and black. It has a small head, and its tail is notably long, extending nearly the entire length of its shell. Under its chin, the turtle has barbels—long protrusions. Females take 25 years to mature, while males require 30 years, making their maturation period exceptionally long for turtles.
This turtle is capable of breathing both above and below water, but it can also absorb oxygen directly from the water through specialized organs in its tail. It spends most of its time in the river, where algae grows on its body, possibly for camouflage. The algae on its head often resembles hair, earning the turtle the affectionate nickname “punk rock turtle.”
7. Spiny Softshell Turtle
The spiny soft-shelled turtle is found across the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico. It has a distinctive look with a triangular head and a flat, round shell adorned with black spots. These spots are particularly vivid in younger turtles but fade as they age. The turtle also features a long, slender nose and cone-shaped protrusions on the front of its shell.
The gender of offspring in spiny soft-shelled turtles is determined by genetics, unlike most other turtle species where the temperature of the eggs in sand influences their gender.
6. Eastern Long-Necked Turtle
Native to the lakes of Australia, the eastern long-necked turtle is distinguished by its exceptionally long neck, which can grow to the length of its shell. Unlike other turtles, it cannot retract its neck but must instead bend its head underneath its shell. This turtle is also called the snake-necked turtle due to its snake-like head and neck, and it uses a striking hunting technique where it quickly extends its neck to catch prey.
When faced with danger, the turtle releases a foul-smelling substance from its glands. This secretion can be projected up to one meter (three feet), causing nearby animals to flee in response. The turtle spends the majority of its time on land.
5. Black-Knobbed Map Turtle
The black-knobbed map turtle—Graptemys nigrinoda—is a small aquatic species found in the freshwater rivers of Mississippi and Alabama. This turtle is most recognizable by the distinctive spikes on its shell, which become less prominent as it ages. Its underside is adorned with beautiful patterns, typically in light gray or blue. The turtle primarily feeds on insects, which it collects from the river's surface.
4. Big-Headed Turtle
The big-headed turtle is native to Southeast Asia, and it is most easily recognized by its disproportionately large head. This species features a smooth, sloped shell with a brown hue. Unlike most turtles, it cannot retract its head into its shell, so it has evolved a bony “helmet” to shield its exposed head. The turtle often uses its strong jaws to defend itself from potential threats.
The big-headed turtle is also known for its ability to climb trees and hills, utilizing its large beak, claws, and powerful tail to grab hold of objects. It is now considered endangered due to overhunting by humans. This species is commonly consumed in Asia and is often captured for the pet trade.
3. African Helmeted Turtle
The African helmeted turtle is found across the African continent, with a range extending from Ghana to Cape Town. It is also present in Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. This species is known for producing a strong, unpleasant odor from four glands located on each of its limbs, which is particularly off-putting to horses and humans. When laying eggs, females select a site and urinate to soften the soil, making it easier to dig.
The feeding habits of the African helmeted turtle are quite remarkable. They hunt large prey, including doves, snakes, and even other turtles, in coordinated groups. This is the only turtle species known to hunt in packs.
2. Red-Bellied Short-Necked Turtle
The red-bellied short-necked turtle—Emydura subglobosa—can be found in both Australia and Papua New Guinea. Their shell exhibits bright orange hues along the edges and underside, especially vivid in young turtles. Over time, the color gradually fades, but the orange markings remain clearly visible in adults. These turtles are primarily aquatic, only leaving the water to nest or bask. While basking, a phenomenon called gular movement occurs, where tears stream down the turtle’s face and into its mouth as its mouth opens and closes, a behavior somewhat similar to the panting of dogs.
1. Pig-Nosed Turtle
The pig-nosed turtle is native to New Guinea and Australia. It is the only freshwater turtle with flippers resembling those of marine turtles, and its most striking feature is its pig-like nose. This nose functions as a snorkel, extending above the surface of the water. It is also highly sensitive to motion, which helps the turtle detect prey in the murky waters.
Sadly, the population of pig-nosed turtles has diminished by half over the past five decades due to illegal smuggling. They are captured in large quantities for the exotic pet trade. In addition, turtle populations are rapidly declining on the island of New Guinea, where they are also hunted for their meat. The pig-nosed turtle is the last known species in the family Carettochelyidae. Fortunately, both Australia and Indonesia have begun to implement protective measures for this species.
+ Indian Flapshell Turtle
The Indian flapshell turtle—Lissemys punctata—is characterized by multiple flaps of skin beneath its shell, which cover its limbs when they are retracted. The exact function of these skin flaps in protecting the turtle from predators remains unclear. This species is typically found in the rivers, lakes, and marshes of Southern Asia.
