Geoemyda spengleri

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Black-breasted leaf turtle
French : Tortue de Spengler

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

Identification
The species can reach a carapace length up to 11.5 cm. Flat carapace, long neck and round head with huge beak and large white eyes. Shell is rich brown with three longitudinal black ridges. Breast is entirely patternless black.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in south-east Asia, in South China (Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi), Hainan Island and north Vietnam. Lives in montane humid forests with important leaf litter and streams nearby.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is endangered because of over-collection for food, Asian medicine and pet trade. Its habitat is more and more degraded.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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