Identification:
This medium-sized turtle species has a carapace (shell) that reaches 18 cm in length. The carapace is flattened with three prominent ridges (lacking dark gray markings). One ridge runs down the center of the back. Two ridges extend from scutes 1 to 4 on the carapace. The carapace color is yellow or light brown, and the posterior edge of the carapace has a serrated margin. The plastron (belly shell) is narrower than the opening of the carapace. The seams of the pectoral scutes are approximately the same length as the seams of the gular scutes. The abdominal scute seam is the longest. The bridge (between the carapace and plastron) is one-third the length of the plastron. Males have longer and thicker tails than females. The head is of medium size, with a snout shorter than the eyes. The skin on the head is divided into large scales. The forelimbs have five digits, and the hindlimbs have four. The underside of the limbs has relatively large scales and possesses only half webbing. The edges of the marginal and inframarginal scutes are dark brown. The head is yellow-brown, with pale dark brown markings interspersed with white markings on the sides. The chin is yellow-brown, the legs are dark brown, and the tail is dark brown with small granules at its base.
Biology and Ecology:
While there is no data on the reproduction of this species, its primary diet consists of plants (grass), and it also favors earthworms. This species thrives in undisturbed forests, often hiding under leaf litter, dry grass, and decaying wood. They only emerge for feeding and mating during spring and summer when temperatures are warm and usually hibernate during colder months.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Lao Cai (Bao Ha), Bac Thai (Thai Nguyen), Vinh Phu (Tam Dao), Ha Tay (Ba Vi), Hoa Binh, Ha Bac, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa (Quan Hoa), Nghe An (Tan Ky).
- Worldwide: Eastern India, China, Laos.
Conservation Status:
This species holds scientific and aesthetic value, allowing students to understand its ecological behaviors in the wild. It is frequently captured and traded for the pet trade, leading to a rapid decline in its wild populations. Strict measures are necessary to prohibit hunting and trade. Captive breeding programs should be established in protected areas to propagate the species for release back into the natural environment and to conserve its genetic resources.