There’s an extremely rare pig-nosed turtle, and it’s under threat from wildlife trade smugglers.
According to Traffic – an international watchdog group that monitors wildlife trade – the reptile is in high demand from pet traders, with online interest in Europe, the United States and Asia.
The pig-nosed turtle can only be found regionally in Australia and Paupa, and is categorized as “vulnerable” on the Red List of Threatened Species.
The pig-nosed turtle, who gets his name for his telltale snout, is popular among traders for its unique appearance.
Speaking to The Guardian, Serene Chng, a representative of Traffic explained:
“They are the only surviving species of the family they are in. They come from a restricted range, so it is very exotic to own [them]. And the hatchlings are very attractive and very cute.”
The rare turtle species can grow up to 50 lbs and two feet in length over the course of its 40-year lifespan.
