Siebenrockiella leytensis

(Taylor, 1920)

Vernacular names
English : Philippine pond turtle
French : Héosémyde de Leyte

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

Identification
Adults can reach up to 30 cm in carapace length. Dorsal scutes have a distinctive gingko-like form. Big head with a pointed snout and greenish eyes. Shell coloration brown, head and neck brown with clear jaws and white collar around neck.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Philippines and only occurs on the northern parts of Palawan Island and nearby islets. Lives in small creeks, streams and marshes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : One of the world’s most endangered turtles with a very small range. Highly vulnerable to trapping and disturbance from humane activities.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Freshwater Turtles” page