Cuora trifasciata trifasciata

(Bell, 1825)

Vernacular names
English : Chinese three-striped box turtle
French : Tortue boite à trois bandes

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

Identification
The species can grow to a shell length of 18 cm. Shell slightly elongated and flatter than other species. Shell color is brown with three parallel black bands. Top of head, lips and chin bright yellow. Black-edged brown spot behind eyes.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in southern China in Kwangsi and Kwangtung provinces and on Hong Kong. Other subspecies endemic to Hainan Island. Lives in hilly and lowland evergreen forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : This is one of the world’s most endangered turtles. It has been collected to near extinction and also suffers from loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

Back to “Freshwater Turtles” page