Australia has it’s own Punk Turtle.
This turtle is one of several species of cloaca-breathing turtles, which breathe underwater using specialised glands in their reproductive organs. (It breathes through it’s bum) 
This allows individuals to remain submerged for up to 72 hours.
The Mary River turtle is a large freshwater turtle endemic to the Mary River in Queensland, Australia.
I say again of our creatures, the Mary River turtle is listed as endangered following a steep decline since 1970.
The Mary River Turtle takes an exceptionally long time to reach sexual maturity, with individuals not breeding before the age of 25.
The building of dams and collection of eggs for the pet trade have driven the declines in the species. However, conservation programmes are now in place to protect the species.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mary River turtle is its shock of green hair and whiskers. These are nothing but sprouts of algae that grow over its head and shell.
Living a laid back lifestyle, “Mary” moves sedately through the water so the algae remains embedding in the crevices of it’s skin and shell.
The Mary River Turtle lives in well-oxygenated, flowing sections of streams. Its habitat consists of riffles (new word for you), (parts of the river that are productive that are shallow, fast flowing and aerated) and shallow stretches alternating with deeper pools.
It’s nest sites are on the sandy banks of the Mary River.
12 - 25 eggs are laid once a year.
The Mary River turtle is one of Australia’s largest turtles. Specimens in excess of 50 cm - 20" in length have been recorded. Hatchlings have a straight shell length of 2.0–3.5 cm.
Adult Mary River turtles have an elongated, streamlined shell that can be plain in colour or intricately patterned.
Overall colour can vary from rusty red to brown and almost black.
It is estimated there are less than 1000 of these turtles left in the wild.
Seems like there’s some good news for a change.
Amazing, I like all turtles, no matter the size, color, species! Never have I seen any animal quite like this.
There are a lot of people/organisations doing their best to save our endangered species for sure.
Then we hear of yesterdays’ decision by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approving the clearance of the endangered Gouldian Finch’s habitat for a Defence Force Housing Development.
This is where there is a huge case for Ministers having too much power and not being held accountable for their destructive decisions.
Ask 100 Australians if Defence Force Housing is more important than the habitat of the endangered Gouldian Finch.
I will go out on a limb and say 90% would back the Gouldian Finch.
Such a beauty, our own Punk Turtle. Love it. 
