Fly River Turtle
Can you say “Papua New Guinea?” This is a fascinating island country off the coast of Australia, and one of the only natural habitats for the Fly River Turtle. Let’s dive into a freshwater river to learn some more about this critter!
Critter At A Glance
What makes these turtles special? The Fly River Turtle is the only freshwater turtle with paddle shaped limbs. They have a snout shaped like a pig-nose, which allows them to sneakily pop their nose above the water’s surface for a breath. They are also speedy swimmers and can move quickly by paddling their arms and steering with their hind legs and tail. Their plastron, or belly, is light colored and easily camouflages from an underwater view. These special features all work together to help the Fly River Turtle stay away from the mouths of predators.
Are they big or small? These critters of the rivers can grow quite large. They can reach a little over 2 feet long and 66lbs, but it takes them 14-15 years to become an adult.
Do they eat a lot of fish? Actually, these turtles are omnivorous. This means they eat a lot of different plants, fruits, insects, and small snails or fish. They are not picky eaters!
There’s so much to learn about how mother Fly River Turtles lay eggs. Listen to Alani’s story!
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
Most eggs take 64-107 days to hatch. BUT, if the weather isn’t the wet season yet, the eggs can wait an extra 50 days before hatching! Hatching happens with the first rains of the season, which will flood the nest. The reduced level of oxygen in the nest triggers hatching.
Critter Protectors we need you! It's time to create and it's time to move!
MOVE We are going to play “Cross the River” like the speedy Fly River Turtle. You’ll need two jump ropes or ropes to line the edges of your pretend river. Take turns with someone jumping or swimming across the river with fast fins like the Fly River Turtle. When it gets too easy to cross, make the width of the ropes wider and wider. Can you jump it or pretend to swim really fast?
CREATE Make your own playdoh ™ turtle. Gather some sculpting tools if you have them and some green, grey, or earth toned playdoh ™ or modeling dough you have on hand. Try to think about the different body parts of a Fly River Turtle and do your best to make your own squishy version!
We can’t wait to hear how your game went and see what your model turtle looks like! #heymrjim
“Fly River Turtle.” Smithsonian's National Zoo, 28 June 2018, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/fly-river-turtle.
Pecor, Keith. “Carettochelyidae.” Animal Diversity Web, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Carettochelyidae/.