Identification
Weight: 24-175 kg.
Carapace length (including the marginal scutes): 330-1100 mm. The carapace is flattened, with an elongated, near-rectangular shape. The first vertebral scute separates the first pair of ribs. There are seven vertebral scutes.
The seventh vertebral scute is small and contacts the sixth and seventh pairs of ribs; sometimes a very small eighth vertebral scute is present, completely separate from the seventh. The eighth pair of ribs is greatly reduced and nearly in contact, but this contact is offset from the midline of the carapace. The carapace color is greenish-brown or dark brown. The plastron has only two callosities that do not develop in the pectoral and abdominal regions. The plastron is gray or off-white. The snout is short. The head, neck, and dorsal surfaces of the legs are black or brown; the undersides are yellow in dried specimens.
Biology and Ecology
Inhabits freshwater ponds or large rivers. The breeding season is from May to August. Diet: shrimp, crab, fish, and snails; sometimes also consumes tubers, fruits, and aquatic plant roots.
Distribution
Within Vietnam: Phú Thọ (Hạ Hoà), Hà Nội (Hồ Gươm), Hà Tây (Bằng Tạ), Hoà Bình (Lương Sơn), Thanh Hoá (Sông Mã).
Global: Southern China.
Value
A rare species of scientific research value and potentially suitable for display in zoos, parks, and freshwater lakes.
Status
The wild population is very rare due to hunting and habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities. The estimated population in Vietnam is below 250 individuals, and the distribution is fragmented.
Classification
CR C1+2a.
Conservation Measures
Prohibit hunting; protect the habitat in areas within its distribution. Ex-situ conservation breeding programs can be organized.