This turtle has a green mohawk and it’s one of Australia’s strangest endangered reptiles.

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]Hidden in one river system >> [music] >> in Queensland, Australia, there is a turtle that looks like it belongs in a punk band.

[00:00:07]This is [music] the Mary River Turtle.

[00:00:09]Its famous green mohawk is actually algae growing on its head [music] and shell.

[00:00:15]But this turtle is more than strange-looking.

[00:00:18]It can [music] stay underwater for long periods by absorbing oxygen through specialized structures near its tail.

[00:00:25]For decades, many were taken [music] from the wild for the pet trade before scientists officially described the species. Now, >> [music] >> nest predators, habitat changes, poor water quality, and slow reproduction are threatening its [music] future. Today, the Mary River Turtle is listed as endangered globally and critically endangered in Australia.

[00:00:47]A punk turtle fighting to [music] stay in the river that made it famous.