Scientists have discovered the first fluorescent turtle! - video

For the first time ever, scientists have discovered a reptile that exhibits biofluorescent properties. This means, roughly, that the tortoise in question can emit light in different colours. The creature is known as a tortoiseshell turtle and was observed near the Solomon Islands by Dr David Gruber, who works for City University in New York.

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National Geographic reports that the turtle can glow with different coloured light in green, red and orange, among other colours. Dr Gruber and his research team discovered the animal by accident while conducting research on crocodiles and corals.

Reporting on the situation for National Geographic, he said that the turtle suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The team decided not to chase it, so as not to stress the animal unnecessarily. This species is highly endangered. There are only a few thousand females left in the world in just a few locations.

The purposes for which the tortoise uses its biofluorescent properties are not known and it looks like we have a lot to learn about this species.

In his conclusions, Dr Gruber said that the red light may have come from marine algae, but the green light was certainly emitted by the animal itself.

Source: iflscience.com