Big-Headed Turtle: Platysternidae - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Behavior And Reproduction - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, BIG-HEADED TURTLES AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS
endangered world david myanmar
The big-headed turtle lives in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The big-headed turtle is rare and has been found only in small mountain streams from southern China to Thailand and southern Myanmar. These turtles appear to be very particular about the type of stream, living only in rock-bottomed, cool waters and only in mountainous regions up to 6,600 feet (2,000 meters).
Some people consider the meat of the big-headed turtle a delicacy, so the turtles face threats from hunters. Other people collect the turtles for use in folk medicines. Despite their tendency to bite, these turtles are fairly popular pets.
According to the World Conservation Union (IUCN) the bigheaded turtle is Endangered because of overcollection. Endangered means that this species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Books:
Burnie, David, and Don E. Wilson, eds. Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.
Web sites:
Kirkpatrick, David T. "The Big-headed Turtle, Platysternon megacephalum." www.unc.edu/dtkirkpa/stuff/bigheads.html (accessed on August 6, 2004).
Additional Topics
The family Platysternidae has only one member, the bigheaded turtle, which has the scientific name Platysternon megacephalum. This small to medium-sized turtle is most known for its huge head, which is about half as wide as the upper shell. The head is shaped like a triangle and covered with a single, large, hard scale, known as a scute (SCOOT). The upper shell, or carapace (KARE-a-pays), is quite…
Because the big-headed turtle is so rare, scientists have been able to learn about its diet only by observing captive, rather than wild, turtles. In captivity, the turtles eat meat, fish, and insects. The big-headed turtle is probably a meat-eater in the wild and may eat no plants at all. The turtle most likely gets most of its meals by gathering insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and other small inv…
All turtles fall into one of two groups: the Cryptodira or the Pleurodira. The difference between the two is the way each pulls its neck and head back toward or into the shell. The Cryptodira, also known as hidden-necked turtles, can pull their heads and necks straight back and are usually able to tuck both into the shell. The Pleurodira, also known as side-necked turtles, can only pull their neck…
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User Comments
over 1 year ago
i am looking to buy a young male chinese bighead turtle do you know were i can get one or a breeder thanks
over 2 years ago
george cooper
Friends and I found a big head turtle in the hills above Phrae, Thailand. It was a little over 20cm long and about 10 cm wide with a long tail and large claws. While it didn't get snappy when I picked it up to look underneath, it looked quite pleased to be put back in the water ( a clear, rocky, mountain stream)