Amyda ornata phayrei

(Gray, 1861)

Vernacular names
English : Ornate softshell turtle
French : Tortue molle ornée

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Trionychidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a carapace length of up to 70 cm. Elongated neck, triangular head with long tubular snout. Coloration grey-brown with clear dots all over carapace. Head features small yellow spots and dots.

Range and habitat
This species occurs from extreme western India and Myanmar to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Subspecies found from north Myanmar to north and central Thailand. Mostly lives in wetlands, including marshes, swamps and slow moving rivers

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE (as A. cartilaginea)
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species is assessed as A. cartilaginea as it was treated as a synonym until last year. Vulnerable to hunting, poaching and habitat degradation.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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