This Hidden Gem of the Fly River: Meet the Fly River Turtle Before It Disappears!

Mon, 04 May 2026 16:19:29 +0000

This Hidden Gem of the Fly River: Meet the Fly River Turtle Before It Disappears Nestled in one of the most remote and ecologically rich regions of Papua New Guinea lies a hidden treasure that few have ever seen: the mysterious Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), often hailed as a living fossil and a true wonder of the waterways. As its name suggests, this turtle dwells in the vast Fly River system—the largest river basin in Papua New Guinea—making it not just a marvel of nature, but a species at growing risk of disappearing forever. ### The Fly River Turtle: A Living Fossil in Trouble The Fly River Turtle is one of the world’s rarest and most enigmatic freshwater turtles. With a prehistoric appearance marked by a uniquely sculpted, flat, and ridged shell, this species has roamed river systems for millions of years. Found almost exclusively in the murky, floodplain-dense channels of the Fly River delta, its existence remains poorly documented due to the region’s inaccessibility and fragile political climate.