Fauna
Reptile

Pig-nosed Turtle

Carettochelys insculpta

Also known as Fly River Turtle, Pitted-shelled Turtle, Warradjan

Pig-nosed turtles are entirely aquatic freshwater reptiles equipped with flipper-like limbs and a fleshy, snorkel-like snout that allows them to breathe while remaining submerged. Unlike most freshwater turtles, they boast a leathery carapace over a solid bony foundation, swimming with simultaneous wing-like strokes reminiscent of marine sea turtles. Females leave the water solely to deposit clutches of eggs into river sandbanks under the cover of night during the dry season.

AquaticFreshwater
Pig-nosed Turtle reference1 / 2
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyWild Fig, Freshwater Snail, Water Ribbon
Predators
  • Saltwater Crocodile
  • White-bellied Sea-Eagle
  • Goanna
ThreatsPoaching for the international pet trade, meat and egg harvesting, and river damming
HabitatsFreshwater rivers, streams, lagoons, swamps, and estuaries with sandy banks
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCarettochelyidae
  2. GenusCarettochelys
  3. SpeciesCarettochelys insculpta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Powerful jaws can deliver a crushing bite if handled; observe from riverbanks or boats.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with strong, sharp-edged jaws adapted for crushing hard shells and tough river debris, capable of inflicting severe flesh lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a prominent, pig-like snout, paddle-like forelimbs without distinct claws, and a smooth, leathery grey carapace.
What to do
Never attempt to grab, corner, or lift from the water; maintain distance and watch through binoculars.
What to notice
Recognized by its fleshy tubular nostrils, distinct grey leathery shell, and flippers swimming in clear tropical rivers.
Support conservation
Avoid approaching nesting females at night on sandbanks and report any suspected illegal capture or transport.
Responsible observation
  • Watch sandbars: Scan quiet, clear river reaches and exposed sandbars during the dry season for basking or nesting females.
  • Do not disturb nests: Keep clear of riverbank nesting scrapes, as hatchlings rely on undisturbed nests to survive until floods arrive.
  • Never purchase: Refuse wild-caught turtles sold in exotic pet markets to deter illegal poaching rings.
Related species
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