With this feature published a year ago I blatantly rode the wave of publicity created by the images of the punk turtle (real name: Mary River turtle, Elusor macrurus), which was one of the species highlighted in the first EDGE (Evolutionary Distinctiveness / General Endangerment) ranking of reptiles. I'm very grateful though that I discovered the EDGE rankings via the punk turtle. I have since revisited the lists for mammals and generally find them very useful when it comes to figuring out where the real problems are in ecology and conservation.
So one year on, the feature on the reptiles list is now in the open archives:
Reptiles on the Edge
The Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus) became a media sensation after the publication of the EDGE ranking for reptiles. Dubbed the ‘punk turtle’, the species sports green hair consisting of algae. The protrusions under its chin are sensors for exploring in muddy waters. (Image: © Chris Van Wyk.)
No comments:
Post a Comment