Identification:
- Dark head with a white or yellowish patch behind each eye.
- Broad head with a curved jaw (resembling a smile).
- Carapace (shell) is solid black.
- Plastron (belly shell) is dark brown and may feature black fan-shaped rays, or the plastron may be solid black.
- Carapace size can reach up to 20 cm.
- Juveniles exhibit coloration similar to adults.
Biology and Ecology:
- This turtle species moves slowly and is not a proficient swimmer.
- Prefers still, shallow water environments with low-lying land and abundant vegetation.
- Omnivorous diet consisting of invertebrates found in ponds and lakes, carrion, and aquatic plants.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Southern Vietnam, including Đồng Nai, Bình Dương, Bình Phước, and Cà Mau provinces.
- Worldwide: Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and the Mekong River Delta.
Conservation Status:
- Rare due to low population numbers.
- Listed as Vulnerable (A1cd+2cd) by the IUCN.
- Urgent need to include this species in the Vietnamese Red Book for protection.
- Strict regulations are needed to prohibit hunting and trade.
- Captive breeding programs should be established in conservation areas for breeding and release into the wild to conserve genetic diversity.