Species
A collection of animal species from around the world.
*Sources for information and photos (unless they were taken by me) can be found at the bottom of each species profile.
Pig-nosed Turtle
The pig-nosed turtle is the sole surviving species in its family. It lives in the rivers of northern Australia and southern New Guinea, using its pig-like nose to "snorkel" without exposing the rest of its body.
Chinese Softshell Turtle
The Chinese softshell turtle uses its tubelike nostrils to "snorkel" while staying submerged beneath the water. Most turtles urinate through their cloacas, but to avoid losing water, the Chinese softshell can secrete urea from its mouth — essentially peeing via its mouth.
Common Snake-necked Turtle
The common snake-necked turtle has a serpentine neck that can grow to more than half the length of its 28 cm (11 inch) long shell. It uses this neck to snatch prey underwater. When it strikes, it quickly lowers a bottom jawbone, creating a vacuum that sucks the prey into its mouth.