Cuora mouhotii mouhotii

(Gray, 1862)

Vernacular names
English : Keeled box turtle
French : Tortue boite à carène

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Geoemydidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species reaches up to 18 cm in length. Slightly dome-shaped shell with three prominent longitudinal ridges on back. Coloration goes from rich bright brown to dull brown. Dark lines on head, eye is reddish-brown.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in South East Asia, from east India and Bhutan to Myanmar, Indochina, south to Thailand. Other subspecies endemic to Vietnam. Lives in leaf litter of tropical forests, also in montane areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : This poorly known species is highly threatened by over-collection for international trade and food. Habitat destruction is also a problem.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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