All the creatures that roam the Earth are incredibly special, but the Mary River turtle takes it up one notch; not only can it breathe through its genitals for up to three days in a row, but algae grows on its body to give it a very funky look.
Despite the fact that the Mary River turtle has been around for 40 million years and survived all sorts of incredible changes, a few decades of human assailment is killing it quickly and surely.
Other reptiles listed as facing extinction by EDGE include the Madagascar blind snake, a worm-like, pink snake that looks like a bizarre shoelace, and the pig-nosed turtle, a freshwater turtle that has the cutest little snout.
Although reptiles may not seem as relatable to us as mammals and don’t have as big a cute factor, protecting them is just as important for the well-being of our world’s eco-diversity. If you want to help the Mary River turtle overcome its endangered status and thrive in its habitat in Queensland, Australia again — or any of the many other species on the list — check how you can support EDGE here. 