Seven tribes, seven languages, seven cultures. The fate of the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) living in the Kikori River lies in the hands of all the local people who own its habitat in southern Papua New Guinea. Masters student Yolarnie Amepou gives her account of the Piku Project, operating out of Kikori in the PNG lowlands.

"At that moment, my life became intertwined with the turtle’s struggle for existence, the story of an underdog fighting for survival amidst rapid development in Papua New Guinea.

To read more go to the original article, and read the account of the exciting piku project, sponsored by the petroleum industry. Consider also subscribing to The Tortoise magazine. Beautiful pictures, wonderful stories.