At a time when wildlife content regularly goes viral– from big cat rescues to elephant migration videos– it’s often the more dramatic animals that catch people’s attention. But there’s a quieter side to nature that’s just as fascinating. Turtles and tortoises, though often overlooked, are among the most interesting creatures in the reptile world. And some of them are far from ordinary.
Across different parts of the world, there are species of turtles and tortoises with truly unexpected features– some have necks that stretch out longer than their shells, while others have spiked shells or unusually coloured bodies. Many of these species are not widely known but have unique characteristics that make them stand out in the animal kingdom.
Here’s a look at some rare and remarkable turtles and tortoises that prove these slow-moving reptiles have stories worth telling.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is drawn from online sources and ecological studies. Some details may vary depending on species and regions.
Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)