Lissemys scutata

(Peters, 1868)

Vernacular names
English : Burmese flapshell turtle
French : Tortue molle de Birmanie

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

Identification
Adults can grow to a shell length of about 30 cm. Large triangular head with short broad snout and protrusions on sides of mouth. Shell with flattened sides. Coloration brown to olive-brown with faint dark markings and yellow spots.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South East Asia, in western Thailand and most of Myanmar in river Salweel and Ayeyarwady drainages. Lives in freshwater rivers and lakes, mostly in lowlands, with muddy bottoms.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is so poorly studied that there are no estimates available on its populations. It is caught illegally for food and could be threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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