Fitzroy River Turtle

The Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) is a species of turtle in the Chelidae family. It is the only surviving member of the genus Rheodytes the other member being the extinct form Rheodytes devisi. The species is endemic to south eastern Queensland, Australia.

This recently described freshwater turtle is restricted to the Fitzroy River drainage system of Queensland, Australia. Their habitat comprises a total area of less than 10,000 km² and includes the Fitzroy, Mackenzie and Dawson rivers. Its limited distribution and being the sole survivor of a once more widespread genus give it a high priority for conservation. The Fitzroy River turtle is known as the “bum breathing turtle” by locals. This nickname is derived from their unusual ability of being able to absorb oxygen whilst submerged, through highly vascularised bursae located in the cloacae.