Papuan Turtle

Papuan Turtle

The Papuan turtle is a freshwater turtle found in the southern region of New Guinea. They grow no larger than 45 cm and have a hard, bony shell. The shell sharply inclines on either side. Like the sea turtle, the Papuan turtle has large, paddle-like flippers. They spend most of their lives in the water, only coming onto the land to lay eggs. Once found in Europe, Asia and North America, now only this small group remains in New Guinea. [BM] {FW}