Notochelys platynota

(Gray, 1834)

Vernacular names
English : Malayan flat-shelled turtle
French : Tortue boite à dos plat

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Geoemydidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to a carapace length of 36 cm. Its shell is flat on top with presence of a sixth and seventh vertebral scute. Carapace is dark brown, clearer for juveniles. Large dark head often with cream mandibles and small red spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-East Asia, from Myanmar to Vietnam, south to Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bangka islands in Indonesia. Lives in freshwater swamp forested areas, in shallow water and streams.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is heavily exploited for its meat and for animal trade. Unfortunately, this trend seems to be ever growing. Habitat loss is another threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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