Identification:
Distinguishing Features:
The body is very large, with a carapace length of up to 600mm. The head is relatively small but wide, with eyes located near the tip of the snout. The snout is short and rounded; the fleshy snout appendage is very short. The back is yellowish-green with yellow spots, and the belly is pale white.
Biology and Ecology:
This species inhabits deep lakes, deep pools in rivers and streams with slow currents, and large, deep freshwater lakes with minimal human impact from exploitation or fishing. Their diet consists of fish. They lay eggs in the summer.
Distribution:
Within Vietnam: Lai Châu, Hà Tây, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Khánh Hòa.
Worldwide: China, Myanmar, India, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan), Philippines, Australia.
Value:
This is a very rare species that holds scientific and aesthetic value. They are also kept in recreational areas like parks and zoos to help students learn about their ecological behavior.
Conservation Status:
The population of this species has severely declined. It is predicted that in the wild, the population has decreased by >50% due to intensive hunting.
IUCN Red List Category:
EN A1d + 2d.
Conservation Measures:
Hunting is prohibited, and habitats where this species is found must be protected. Captive breeding programs should be organized, and individuals should be reintroduced into their natural environment.