Melanochelys trijuga parkeri

(Deraniyagala, 1939)

Vernacular names
English : Indian black turtle
French : Emyde noire indienne

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Geoemydidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach 32 cm in shell length, rarely more. Three weak keels visible on upper shell. Coloration is brown to black without distinctive markings. Dark plastron with white edges. Head and neck grey with scattered yellow spots.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to Sri Lanka. Species also found throughout India, south Bangladesh, west Myanmar, Nepal, Chagos islands and Maldives. Lives in streams, rivers, marshes, lakes, rice fields, up to 1400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still locally common but some populations in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in particular could be threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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