Heosemys grandis

(Gray, 1860)

Vernacular names
English : Giant Asian pond turtle
French : Héosémyde géante

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

Identification
The largest species of its genus, growing to 43 cm in length for a weight up to 10 kg. Vertebral keel often pronounced and yellow in color. Spiny scutes on back of shell margin. Dark grey head with orange markings. Shell dark grey-brown.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in south-east Asia , from Central Myanmar to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, south to northern peninsular Malaysia. Lives in rivers, ponds, swamps and rice-paddies, up to 400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species is threatened by water pollution and habitat loss in most of its range. It is also occasionally captured for food, especially in Vietnam.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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