Leucocephalon yuwonoi

(McCord, Iverson, Boeadi, 1995)

Vernacular names
English : Sulawesi forest turtle
French : Tortue forestière de Sulawesi

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

Identification
Large adults can grow to about 30 cm in shell length, sometimes more. Row of small keels on the back, side edges slightly ragged, brown color. Large head with strong mandibles, usually creamy-yellow, with black to dark green areas.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in south-east Asia and is endemic to the island of Sulawesi, in central Indonesia. Lives in freshwater rivers and swamps, mostly in mountain forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This is one of the most endangered turtle species. Nearly wiped out by overtrapping for the trade. Pollution and loss of habitat are also major threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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