Pig-Nosed Turtle

The pig-nosed turtle is facing unsustainable levels of collection for the international pet trade.

Summary

The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is a freshwater turtle and the only member of its family and genus. This species is unique in the turtle world. It possesses flippers like a marine species and a long, fleshy snout like that of a pig. They have an extensive history, dating back 140 million years ago, but they are currently under significant prosecution in their native territories. While this species is largely unstudied, there is still much to learn about the pig-nosed turtle, including its habitat, diet, and behavior.

Amazing Pig-nosed Turtle Facts

• Its family lineage dates back 70 million years before the dinosaurs went extinct.
• They are highly territorial and known for showing extreme aggression in captivity.
• Figs and their leaves are their favorite food.
• They are facing unsustainable levels of collection in the international pet trade.

Scientific Name

The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) belongs to the Trionychia superfamily in the Testudines order, which encompasses softshell turtles. The pig-nosed turtle is the only member of the Carettochelyidae family and the only living member of the Carettochelys genus. Its specific epithet, insculpta, is Latin for “engraved,” referring to the engraved texture of the carapace. 

Appearance

The pig-nosed turtle is a freshwater turtle with unique characteristics, unlike other freshwater turtles. They have flippers like marine turtles, leathery shells, and unusual noses (long fleshy snouts) that look like a pig’s (hence the name). They belong to the softshell turtle family but have a domed bony carapace and a solid plastron connected to a bony ridge. The carapace is gray or olive and the plastron is cream-colored. Males and females appear similar in appearance, but males can be distinguished by their long tails. This species measures 28 to 30 inches long, on average, and weighs over 44 pounds. 

Evolution and History

The Carettochelyidae family has a significant fossil record dating back to the Paleogene period over 140 million years ago. That places its family 70 million years before the dinosaurs went extinct. Despite its limited geography today, the pig-nosed turtle was once abundant and widespread. According to fossil records, they were found in Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. This species is also becoming more popular in the exotic pet trade.

Behavior

The pig-nosed turtle is significantly understudied, so we don’t know much about their behavior. But those in captivity are known for showing aggression. Researchers believe they are much more territorial than other turtles and tortoises. Outside of their natural habitat, they are shy and stress easily. In the wild, they are somewhat communal and have a loose social structure.

Habitat

This species is most abundant in northern Australia and southern New Guinea, where they inhabit rivers, streams, lagoons, estuaries, lakes, and swamps. They prefer water with sandy or gravel bottoms and the surrounding banks are often forested. 

Diet

The pig-nosed turtle is omnivorous, but they prefer plant material over animals. The fruit and leaves of figs are their favorite food, but they will also eat flowers, other fruits, mollusks, insects, and crustaceans. In captivity, this turtle will consume apples, kiwis, bananas, fish, and shrimp. After their meals, pig-nosed turtles like to find a comfortable spot to sleep, which they do at any time of the day.

Predators and Threats

Due to its occasional brackish water and dense forest environment, this species’ main predator is the saltwater and estuary crocodile. Herds of buffalo also inadvertently trample adults and their eggs when crossing the bank. But humans remain the most significant threat to pig-nosed turtles. They are highly persecuted for their meat, but also suffer from the pet trade and habitat destruction. In 1990, two million eggs were collected for the trade industry. And these numbers have only increased over the decades. Today, the pig-nosed turtle is facing unsustainable levels of collection for the international pet trade.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Males reach sexual maturity at 16 years, while females mature at 18. The pig-nosed turtle lays its eggs on the sandy banks during the dry season. Fully developed embryos delay hatching until they receive environmental cues, such as a drop in pressure, which signals an impending storm. These cues, along with vibrations from other hatchlings, signal the rest to hatch at the same time. Mass hatching gives them better odds at survival. It’s easier for them to find their way to the water, and there is safety in numbers. They can live up to 38 years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild may be less.

Population and Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the pig-nosed turtle as EN or “endangered” as of May 2017. Their exact population is unknown but expected to be decreasing. This species is under significant pressure from exploitation in Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. Indigenous people in its range use adults and their eggs as a food source and for international trade. While populations in Australia have been stable for 20 years, they have been rapidly declining (by about 57%) for 30 years in Papua New Guinea.

Related Animals

• Wood Turtle
• Box Turtle
• Tortoise

1. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, Available here: https://meridian.allenpress.com/ccb/article-abstract/8/2/185/26643/Nesting-Behavior-of-the-Pig-Nosed-Turtle
2. Ichthyology & Herpetology, Available here: https://meridian.allenpress.com/copeia/article-abstract/105/1/29/196465/First-Evidence-of-the-Pig-nosed-Turtle
3. California Turtle and Tortoise Club, Available here: http://www.tortoise.org/archives/pignose.html
4. Nausicaa, Available here: https://www.nausicaa.co.uk/animal-card/pig-nosed-turtle/