Mauremys mutica mutica

(Cantor, 1842)

Vernacular names
English : Yellow pond turtle
French : Tortue mutique

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

Identification
Adults can grow to 20 cm in shell length. Shell relatively flattened on back, usually black-brown with lighter mottling. Plastron yellow with black spots. Conspicuous wide yellow line running from eye to neck.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is found in south China (Guangxi and Zhejiang), nearby Vietnam, Hainan and Taiwan. Species also found on Ryukyu islands, Japan. Lives in lowland marshes, slow-moving streams and lakes, in shallow waters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has been declining alarmingly in most of its range, including Taiwan and Japan. Vulnerable to habitat loss and poaching.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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