Friends, do you know, turtles are ancient animals that we can still meet today. One type that usually likes to be kept is the monbi turtle or pig-nosed turtle. Curious to know more about it? You can meet these animals at Bali Safari Park!
Habitat
The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is an animal that has its native habitat in Papua. They are often find in fresh and brackish waters such as swamps, lakes, rivers and estuaries.
Currently, the distribution area of this aquatic animal is in the area of North Australia, South Irian Jaya to South Papua New Guinea. They are the only surviving member of the Carettochelyidae family.
In conservation areas such as the Bali Safari Park, these aquatic animals can live up to 38-40 years.
Characteristics
As their name suggests, they have a snout with two nostrils that looks like a pig’s. Different from other freshwater turtles, this animal has legs that function as flippers like turtles.
The pig-nosed turtle have carapace length ranges up to 70 cm and weighs more than 20 kg. The male can be distinguished from the female by the longer and narrower tail.
Another physical feature that is easy to recognize is its rough shell and does not have bony scales like other turtles. Their carapace is brown to dark gray in color and the plastron or underbody is cream in color.
Diet
This animal are omnivores, but they prefer plants and fruit. In their habitat, they like to eat figs, apples, kiwi, bananas and occasionally eat fish and shrimp.
IUCN List
The pig-nosed turtle is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Their numbers continue to decline due to poaching and land grabbing. They are often hunted for use as medicine.
As a conservation organization, Bali Safari Park is also working to conserve the pig-nosed turtle population.
