Identification:
This turtle is of a medium to small size. It has a large head that cannot retract into its shell. A pale yellow stripe runs from the eye to the neck. The beak is large, resembling a parrot’s beak. The shell is very flat and gray in color. The belly is very pale yellow. The tail is long and thick, almost as long as the body. The back is arched, highest at the peak, with a very clear ridge sloping down on both sides.
Biology and Ecology:
These turtles inhabit streams within well-preserved evergreen forests in high mountainous areas. They prefer locations with many large rocks, deep, clear water, and slow currents. During the day, they hide under rocks or bask in the sun on the stream banks. They forage for food at dusk or during the night. Their primary diet consists of small fish, mollusks, crabs, earthworms, and other invertebrates. The turtles lay two eggs during the summer.
Distribution:
In Vietnam: Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Tuyên Quang, Bắc Kạn, Thái Nguyên, Lạng Sơn, Sơn La, Thanh Hoá, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Quảng Nam, Kontum, Gia Lai.
Globally: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.
Value:
This species possesses scientific and aesthetic value, providing students with the opportunity to study the ecological behavior of this species in its natural environment.
Conservation Status:
The population has severely declined due to intensive hunting. It is estimated that the decline rate has exceeded 50% in the last 10 years.
Ranking:
EN A1d+2d.
Conservation Measures:
Hunting and trading are strictly prohibited. Captive breeding programs should be organized within the areas of distribution, and some individuals should be transferred to zoos to protect the gene pool.