This QLD Turtle Might Be Punk Rock As But It's Also Very Endangered

"Punk's not dead, it's endangered."

The Mary River turtle seems to have more in common with punk rock legends like Sid Vicious and Billy Idol than other turtles.

Some of those punk features include the ability to breathe through its genitals and the growing algae on its shell and head in the shape of a mohawk. Très punk.

But sadly, the turtle is endangered due to its population being decimated in the '60s and '70s when the babies were taken from their habitat and sold to families as 'penny turtles'. Now, the ageing population is under threat due to water quality and predators (like goannas) eating their eggs.

Thankfully, due to its inclusion on the Zoological Society of London's list of 'Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered' (EDGE) reptiles, people have started to really care about its existence.

Thanks to its genitals more people are aware of the plight of the Mary River turtle than ever before. I guess the green mohawk helps too. https://t.co/RFk8baSwX6 #endangered #conservation

— Wayne (@skiwithwd) April 11, 2018

Punks not dead... It's endangered (Pictured: Mary River turtle) pic.twitter.com/U8yYKlksJC

— Errick with a M (@Palmettobling) April 11, 2018

This is the Mary River turtle. It's endangered by Australian pet traders who take them from the wild.

'Cause who wouldn't want a Dark Crystal muppet as a pet? Especially one that breathes through its genitals and can stay underwater for three days. pic.twitter.com/FLeITS4Ate

— Kierán Suckling (@KieranSuckling) April 12, 2018

So, how can you help save this iconic turtle?

While the Guardian reports  there are no government plans in place to help them out, there are some groups that are actively working on saving the deteriorating population figures of the Mary River Turtle.

Some of these groups, like Tiaro Landcare Group, are working on protesting their eggs and supporting research efforts. Check out Tiaro to see how you can help this edgy turtle before it's too late.

Photo: Flickr (Daniela Parra)