Kieren Karritpul – Yirrng – Pig-nosed Turtle 2026

• Size: 30 x 22.5 cm
• Medium: Acrylic on pre-stretched canvas

Yirrng

The Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), known locally as Piku or Yirrng, has a significant population in the Daly River region of the Northern Territory, which is considered one of its strongholds in Australia. The Daly River, along with the Victoria and Alligator Rivers, forms part of the restricted, exclusively Northern Territory distribution of this species in Australia.

They inhabit the Daly River’s slow-flowing streams, deep pools, and connected billabongs. During the dry season, they are often found in areas with aquatic plants like ribbonweed (Vallisneria spiralis), which form a major part of their diet. They are known to rely on thermal groundwater springs in the Daly River to stay warm during colder dry-season months.

Females leave the water to lay eggs in sandy banks during the dry season, typically between July and October. The Pig-nosed Turtle is considered a “river snorkeler” due to its ability to remain submerged while using its snout to breathe, hence the distinctive nostrils.

The total Australian population is estimated to be around 3,000 individuals, with a substantial portion of this estimate based on density measurements from the Daly River drainage. Researchers visited Nauiyu to consult with the community and encourage them to become aware of the populations. They also encouraged the artists to make artworks highlighting the significance of these special animals.

Threats & Conservation: The Pig-nosed Turtle is listed as Near Threatened in the Northern Territory. Key threats in the Daly region include:

Proposed agricultural developments and increased water extraction could reduce dry-season flows, affecting nesting, feeding, and basking habitatt.

Feral Animals such as water buffalo cause damage by trampling nesting banks and destroying riparian vegetation.

Lizard species, such as the goannas Varanus panoptes and Varanus mertensi, are known to consume eggs laid along the Daly River banks.

Artist Bio – Kieren Karritpul

Kieren Karritpul is an outstanding and award winning artist who has work has been featured in solo exhibitions with Nomad (Darwin) and Tolarno Galleries (Melbourne) and group exhibitions around the world. His most recent solo exhibition was YERR WURRKEME MARRGU in May 2025 at Tolarno. See the exhibition here.

• Born 1994, lives and works in Nauiyu, Daly River, Northern Territory, Australia
• Traditional Country: Malfiyin
• Language: Ngen’gi wumirri