why is the mary river turtle endangered

(Photo by NKGKing, distributed by WikiMedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3.0 licence). Any information here should not be considered absolutely correct, complete, and up-to-date. 29. The Mary River turtle is the most commonly known species of river turtle as they are the most popular freshwater turtles to keep as pets often in artificial aquariums or outside in ponds. The Mary River turtle occurs in the Mary River, from Gympie, to the tidal reaches just upstream from Maryborough. It has been put on the Zoological Society of London's Edge of Existence list. As an endemic species, they can only be found in the Mary River in Queensland, Australia which makes them more susceptible to threats. © 2001-2021 BiologyOnline. The carapace also grows elongated in comparison to related species. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The turtle is occasionally informally referred to as the green haired turtle due to the fact that many specimens are covered with growing strands of algae which resemble hair.. Gumbs was quoted, “Reptiles often receive the short end of the stick in conservation terms, compared with the likes of birds and mammals.”2 In the recent list of Top 100 EDGE Reptiles, the Mary River turtle came at no. In addition to its different appearance, the Mary River Turtle also ranks as one of the physically largest in its endemic range. As they do not breed before the age of 25, there has been a massive decline in numbers leading to them becoming the 29th most endangered reptile in the world. Sadly, there is also no denying the fact that it has just joined the ever increasing list of endangered animals. The Mary River Turtle is Australia’s fourth-most endangered freshwater turtle species, after the Western Swamp Turtle (Pseudemydura umbrina) of Western Australia. Apr 10, 2020 - The Mary River turtle lives exclusively in the waters of the Mary River in south-east Queensland, Australia. The Mary River turtle is the most commonly known species of river turtle as they are the most popular freshwater turtles to keep as pets often in artificial aquariums or outside in ponds. It can weight up to 18 pounds, its shell can grow to 17 inches long and it can live until it is 100 years old. Habitat: Mary River in South-East Queensland, Australia Status: Endangered In 1994, scientists first identified the Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus) as a new genus and species of freshwater turtle.However, it was promptly put on the endangered species list and still remains there to this day. It probably nests in suitable places along these parts. The Mary River freshwater turtle (Elusor macrurus) is one of the most uniquely Australian and critically endangered turtles, living only in south east Queensland’s Mary River. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The Mary River Turtle is listed as the 29th most endangered reptile species on the plant by the Zoological Society of London EDGE program (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered). Its docile nature — more hippy than punk — historically made it a popular pet. It's endangered, thanks in part to the pet trade—it's also known as the Pet Shop turtle. It has been put on the Zoological Society of London's Edge of Existence list. The Mary River Turtle, whose only known home is the Mary River, is a cloacal ventilator ('bum breather' – it uses oxygen from water taken in through its tail), and is listed in the top 25 most endangered turtle species in the world. In December 2018, a group of respected international turtle scientists who were concerned about its survival recommended that the Mary River Turtle be up-listed to Critically Endangered. The gill-like organs within its cloaca absorb oxygen enabling the turtle to stay submerged for three days.2 Because of its ability to stay underwater for that long, it is not unusual to find one that forms a symbiosis with algae. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Mary River turtle was popular as a pet in Australia, with about 15,000 sent to shops every year during a 10-year period. Appearance: The Mary River Turtle is one of Australia’s largest fresh water turtles. The Mary River turtle is found in Australia, and is relatively tiny. They're hunted by foxes and pigs. Conservation EffortsThe Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species (FAME), are working to implement a ‘head-start programme’ where hatchlings are grown in captivity then released into the wild in the hopes of increasing numbers. 3 Conservation strategies are hoisted to help boost their population. The species was already in the pet trade during the 1960s and 1970s before it was first described formally as a species in the 1990s. Another distinctive feature is its tail. Thus, their numbers dwindled over time as a lot of them had been lost by nest pillaging and pet trade before the cognizance of the risk of it being endangered. Why the Mary River turtle is endangered is due to their currently small population. Sporting a “fancy mohawked hairdo”, the turtle is also called the “green-haired turtle”. However, one of the factors that made the species vulnerable to extinction is the exceptionally long time it takes for them to become sexually mature, i.e. There are numerous different species of river turtle found around the world many of which are sadly considered to be endangered species today. Failure to notice early on the need for conservation efforts accentuated the odds of the species’ extinction. It's a curious-looking creature with a funny nickname, but the 'bum-breathing' Mary River turtle in Queensland is under serious threat for survival. They had not received the same gravity of attention and popularity as the endangered mammals and birds had. Each one of Queensland's native plant and animal species is a unique and valuable part of the state’s rich biodiversity.. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. They are less likely to be hunted for their meat or shell compared to other sea turtles. ( Log Out /  The species was already in the pet trade during the 1960s and 1970s before it was first described formally as a species in the 1990s. Turtle enthusiast describes seeing his first Mary River Turtle and why they are almost endangered after surviving for millions of years. “The single biggest threat to this turtle’s chances of survival is the predation on nesting sites by the feral animals, particularly foxes. A decline in the population of freshwater turtles which scavenge away all the dead fish is threatening the quality of water in the Murray River, an environmental foundation says. They were originally known as the "penny turtle" or "pet shop turtle". Apart from its captivating punky look, the species is the only member of its genus and became evolutionary distinct 40 million years ago. An Australian river turtle with a distinctive green punk-rock hairstyle, two spikes under its chin and the ability to breathe through its genitals is on a new list of endangered reptiles. The content on this website is for information only. Distribution The rare turtle ranks 29th on a new list of the world's 100 most endangered reptiles, released last week (April 10) by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Endangered animals don’t come much more quirky than the charming Mary River turtle. "Reptiles often receive the short end of the stick in conservation terms, compared with the likes of birds and mammals," Gumbs told the Guardian . Today, the Mary River turtle is one of the world’s most endangered turtle species. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/12/asia/mary-river-turtle-endangered-intl/index.html 2 Graham, B. Endangered 'bum-breathing' Mary River turtle's nest found in new territory. The awareness of the need for more concerted efforts to conserve seemingly sturdy, robust reptiles is crucial for their survival. This allows individuals to remain submerged for up to 72 hours. That is according to the Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) Reptiles list of Zoological Society of London. Mary River Turtle Physical Description. HabitatMary River Turtles are endemic to the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. 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