Diagnostic Features:
This turtle species is of medium size, with a slightly domed carapace and a distinct dorsal keel. The first vertebral scute is pentagonal, wider at the anterior end. The following four vertebral scutes are wider than the first and nearly equal in size. The posterior edge of the fifth marginal scute is expanded. Scutes 8, 9, and 10 are large. The plastron is nearly as long as the carapace, with a nearly flat anterior edge and a V-shaped posterior notch. The suture between the two pectoral scutes is the longest, while the suture between the two humeral scutes is the shortest, approximately half the length of the suture between the two gular scutes. The suture between the two pectoral scutes is equal to the suture between the two femoral scutes. The posterior edge of the plastron is slightly rounded. The inguinal scute is larger than the axillary scute.
The head is small, with a snout shorter than the eye and extending beyond the lower jaw. The upper jaw has a median notch. The skin behind the head is smooth, and the neck has small granules. The outer margins and anterior surfaces of the limbs have large scales. The forelimbs have five digits, and the hindlimbs have four digits, all with complete webbing. The carapace is brown, and the plastron is lighter, with dark brown markings on the scutes. The submarginal, axillary, and inguinal scutes have dark brown markings. The head is brown, with alternating black, white, and brown stripes on the sides. The throat has light brown or pinkish-brown stripes. The digits have opaque white streaks. The posterior body and tail have streaks that form continuous or discontinuous lines. The base of the tail and hind limbs have blunt spines.
Biology and Ecology:
The turtle inhabits streams and marshes, where water flow is slow or still. It is an omnivore, feeding on insects, worms, fish, and aquatic plants.
Distribution:
- In Vietnam: Vinh Phuc, Ha Tay, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Nam, and Binh Phuoc provinces.
- Worldwide: Eastern Cambodia and a portion of southern Laos bordering Vietnam.
Conservation Status:
The population in the wild is declining due to hunting. The species has a restricted distribution, a small population size, and is overexploited. It was added to the IUCN Red List in 2006. Its conservation status is Endangered (EN).
Conservation Measures:
Strictly prohibit hunting and trade. Captive breeding programs are needed.