A turtle with a punk haircut that breathes through… genitalia
The Elusor macrurus tortoise is a peculiar creature. Its head is overgrown with algae giving it the appearance of a frumpy punk, but that’s not what’s most original about the species. The creatures breathe through… genitalia. The Zoological Society of London ranked the species 29th on its list of 100 most endangered reptiles.
Żołwie Elusor macrurus is an endemic species thatory inhabits the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. It reaches a length of up to 40 centimetersow, has characteristic grooves on its chin, and its body is overgrown with algae. ŻoThese lionfish can stay underwater for up to three days, but the most peculiar feature of these creatures is the way theyob of breathing. Gill-like organs are found inside the cloaca, whichora serves thisoroalso to excrete and reproduce.
Elusor macrurus are gentle creatures. Their distinctive appearance made them a prized domestic species, which in turn brought the species to the brink of extinction. It is estimated that there are currently just over 130 individuals in the wildoin this species. Important in the whole matter is the fact that the ability to reproduce ¿oThese turtles reach the age of 25 years only.
This rare species has made it to the 29th. place on the new list of 100 most endangered reptilesoin the world, published earlier this month by the Zoological Society of London. The new list is part of the EDGE of Existence (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species – EDGE) program "evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered" species), whichory sheds light on someore of the most unique and endangered species of theow.
Researchers believe that the evolutionary path of these frogsoThe lion has diverged with other species ¿oLives about 40 millionow years ago. „They are a unique and irreplaceable part of the world’s natural heritage, whichore at risk of being lost forever” – wrote representatives of the Zoological Society of London in describing the species. The goal of the EDGE project is to increase people’s awareness of the unique creatures and to protect these speciesow, before it’s too poźno.
