Geoemydidae is one of the largest and most diverse families there is. This family contains turtles endemic to the old world as well as wood turtles (Rhinoclemmys) found in the neotropical biogeographic realm.
This large family contains around 50 to 60 species. The exact number of species changes from one source to another as taxonomy is an ever-evolving science and classifications are redefined all the time.
The family was first described in 1868 by William Theobald, Junior.
Geoemydidae is closely related to Testudinidae and Emydidae. In fact, the family was once considered a subfamily of Emydidae and went by the name Bataguridae. However, fossil and molecular data suggest that the species is also closely related to the family Testudinidae.
Geoemydidae was first considered a family in the 1980s and was renamed Geoemydidae in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature rules.
The species is generally divided into two subfamilies – Geoemydinae and Rhinoclemmydinae. Geoemydinae is the larger subfamily with about 18 genera and about 60 species. Rhinoclemmydinae contains just one genus – Rhinoclemmys, and about 9 species.
Geoemydidae can generally be found within the tropics and subtropics of Asia; North Africa; and Europe. One genus (Rhinoclemmys) occurs in the Americas – specifically South and Central America.
Geoemydidae occurs in tropical forests, coastal areas, and freshwater ecosystems.
Geoemydidae range from 4 inches to 30 inches (10 cm to 80 cm). Most species within the family display sexual dimorphism.
Geoemydidae displays XX/XY sex determination (Siebenrockiella crassicolis), ZZ/ZW sex determination (Pangshura smithii), and temperature-dependt sex determination. Gravid females usually lay a few eggs per clutch.
Geoemydidae are mostly herbivores but some species are carnivores or omnivores.
They feed on insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other aquatic invertebrates. Plant matter they feed on is edible vegetation found mostly in aquatic habitats.
Most Geoemydidae are considered threatened with most species being considered endangered, critically endangered, or vulnerable.
Table of Contents
Species Within The Family Geoemydidae
Batagur
1. Red-crowned Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Batagur kachuga / Kachuga kachuga
- Common Names: sadhua, sal (Hindi), adi kori katha (Bengali)
- Length: 12 to 24 inches (30 to 59 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Batagur kachuga occurs in the Ganga basin in Bangladesh and India. The species may also occur in the Brahmaputra basin. The species is also found in the Chambal River National Sanctuary.
Batagur kachuga occurs in large fast-moving rivers with sandy bottoms. This turtle basks during the day. They bask on tree snags, rocks, and sandbanks.
Females are relatively larger than males. Females reach carapace lengths of 56 cm while males reach carapace lengths of 29 cm.
The species reach maturity at around the age of 18 years and has a generation length of 25 years. The generation length is the average age of parents.
The species is called the red-crowned roofed turtle because of the red coloration on the male’s head. This red coloration is brightest during mating season. The carapace is olive to brown and the plastron is yellowish.
2. Northern River Terrapin
- Scientific Name: Batagur baska
- Common Names: sona katha, pora katha, and boro ketho (Bengali)
- Length: 15.7 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The northern river terrapin occurs in estuaries, canals, lakes, and rivers. This is a large terrapin with a flat carapace which is brown in coloration.
The northern river terrapin is endemic to Sunderban Tiger Reserve in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa in Bangladesh and India; Thanlwin (Salween), Sittaung, and Ayeyarwady in Myanmar; and Kra river in Thailand.
Female northern river terrapins reach maturity at a carapace length of 45 cm which can grow to 60 cm. Male northern river terrapins reach maturity at a carapace length of 40 cm which can grow to 49 cm.
The northern river terrapin has a generation length of 25 years.
3. Three-striped Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Batagur dhongoka
- Length: 10.2 to 19 inches (26 to 48 cm)
- Common Name: dhor and barsi (Hindi), sada katha (Bengali)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Historically, Batagur dhongoka was endemic to the Ganga lowlands of Bangladesh and India. B. dhongoka could be found in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam historically.
As of today, the species is known to be endemic to only the Ganga Farakka and National Chambal Sanctuary, both in India.
B. dhongoka is semiaquatic and lives in large rivers and their main tributaries. The species can be found basking on tree snags, rocks, and the banks of rivers they inhabit.
Females are larger and reach carapace lengths of up to 48 cm. Males, on the other hand, reach carapace lengths of 26 cm.
4. Burmese Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Batagur trivittata
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Historically, Batagur trivittata was endemic to the Lower Thanlwin (Salween) River, Sittaung River, and Ayeyarwady-Chindwin system in Myanmar.
As of today, the species is known to be endemic to only the upper Chindwin River in Myanmar. The species is known to occur at elevations of 150 to 200 m asl (above sea level).
The species is critically endangered with an estimate of just 10 adult females as of 2004. Following the damming of the Doke-tha-wady tributary, no B. trivittata has been seen or located. There are some adults in captivity in Mandalay in Yadanabon Zoological Gardens.
B. trivittata is a herbivorous freshwater turtle that occurs in large rivers, currently only the upper Chindwin River. These turtles nest on the sandy banks of the river they inhabit. Historically, some nest on sandy beaches.
5. Painted Batagur
- Scientific Name: Batagur borneoensis / Callagur borneoensis
- Average Length: 19.7 to 23.6 inches (50 to 60 cm)
- Maximum Mass: 55 lb (25 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The painted terrapin is also known as biuku. This species is endemic in the Sundaland Archipelago in southeastern Asia.
The range of the species includes southern Thailand; Brunei Darussalam; Sumatera and Kalimantan in Indonesia; and northern peninsular Malaysia. Although the species was once widespread in Southeast Asia, this is no longer the case.
The painted terrapin occurs in mangrove forests, brackish waters, and estuaries. They are known to nest on beaches.
Males reach maturity at around age 7 to 10 years while females reach maturity at around age 15 years. The generation length is estimated to be around 45 years.
Female painted terrapins are much larger and can reach carapace lengths of over 60 cm. Male painted terrapins are much smaller and reach carapace lengths of just 30 to 40 cm.
The carapace of this turtle is pale with dark blotches. The head is pale with red marks on the nose to the top of the head. These markings look like they have been painted onto the terrapin.
6. Southern River Terrapin
- Scientific Name: Batagur affinis
- Other Names: Eastern Malay River Terrapin
- Length: 17.7 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
There are two subspecies and these are B.a. affinis and B. a. edwardmolli. The southern river terrapin is critically endangered and there are about just 500 to 2500 mature individuals in the wild.
The species occurs in southernmost Thailand; eastern Sumatra in Indonesia; and the western coast of the Malaysian peninsula. The two subspecies are defined by their geographic locations.
The species occurs in coastal lagoons, lower river sections, mangrove creeks, and estuaries. Basically, they are most commonly found in aquatic habitats affected by the tide. They are also known to be found upriver, far from habitats close to the sea.
Female southern river terrapins reach maturity at a carapace length of 45 cm and can grow to a carapace length of 60 cm. Male southern river terrapins reach maturity at a carapace length of 40 cm and can grow to a carapace length of 49 cm.
Cyclemys
7. Asian Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys dentata
- Length: 6 to 9.5 inches (15 to 24 cm)
- Lifespan:
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Cyclemys dentata is endemic to sulu island, Tawi Tawi island, and the Palawan islands in the Philippines; Sumatra, the Mentawai Archipelago, Kalimantan, Java, Bunguran Island, and Bali in Indonesia; Singapore; Sarawak, Sabah, and the Malaysian Peninsula in Malaysia; and southern peninsular Thailand.
The species is most commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and streams. They are also found in closed-canopy forests in lowland areas.
C. dentata aren’t strong swimmers and are normally found walking the bottom of their aquatic habitats. They also come out of the water at night.
The species has a generation length of 20 years. This is the average age of parents.
8. Assam Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys gemeli
- Length: 10 inches (25 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Cyclemys gemeli is endemic to the Mupa-Lanteng rainforest, the Chessa Rainforest, the Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sibsagar Wildlife Sanctuary in India; Indonesia; Nepal, and Bangladesh.
C. gemeli is endemic to rocky streams in hill forests, forest floors where they are found in dry stream beds, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
C. gemeli has a generation length of about 15 years.
The turtle has a brown carapace with dark lines radiating from the center of the scutes, however, adults lack these patterns. There is a slight keel on the carapace, which is flattened.
The feet of C. gemeli aren’t webbed. As such they aren’t strong swimmers.
9. Striped Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys atripons
- Other Names: Western Black-bridged Leaf Turtle
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Cyclemys atripons is an endangered Asian leaf turtle that is endemic to southeastern Asia, specifically Annam in Vietnam, east Thailand, and Cambodia.
C. atripons occurs at elevations of up to 1000 meters and in evergreen forest hills where it inhabited slow-moving watercourses such as hill streams, slow-moving rivers, lakes, ponds, and flooded coastal forests.
C. atripons have an elongated reddish-brown carapace which sometimes has black radiating lines. The species also has a yellow plastron which sometimes has black radiating lines.
C. atripons is known to reach maturity at the age of 11 years and have a generation length of 25 years which is the average age of adults.
10. Enigmatic Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys enigmatica
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Cyclemys enigmatica is endemic to Kalimantan, Java, and Sumatra in Indonesia, Sarawak in Malaysia, Thailand, and Peninsular Malaysia. However, the species is poorly known, and as such reports can be erroneous.
There is very little data on the population status of the species.
C. enigmatica and C. dentata share overlapping habitats in Kalimantan and Sumatra. C. enigmatica is most commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and streams. They are also found in closed-canopy forests in lowland areas.
C. enigmatica has a dark brown and reddish elongated oval carapace. The plastron is dark brown or black. The neck of the species is dark in coloration and the head is reddish-brown or tan.
11. Southeast Asian Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys oldhamii
- Other Names: Oldham’s leaf turtle
- Length: 10.2 inches (26 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
This turtle is also known as the Oldham’s leaf turtle as it is named after Richard Oldham, a British botanist. It is also called the Southeast Asian leaf turtle because it is endemic to southeast Asia.
The species occurs in northern Cambodia, southern and central Viet Nam, Laos PDR, Thailand, and eastern Myanmar.
This turtle can be found below 1000 meters above sea level. Here the species occurs in streams and stream valleys in monsoon hill forests.
The species can reach a carapace length of about 26 cm and has a generation length of about 30 years. It reaches maturity at ages 10 to 12 years.
Here the species is known to feed on small animals and fruits.
12. Vietnamese Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys pulchristriata
- Other Names: Eastern Black-bridged Leaf Turtle
- Lifespan: 50 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Cyclemys pulchristriata can be found at an elevation of up to 700 m above sea level in eastern Cambodia and the Annamite foothills of southern Viet Nam.
C. pulchristriata is generally found in small forest streams in forest areas.
C. pulchristriata has a generation length of about 26 years and reaches maturity at age five to seven years. The species is suspected to live over 50 years.
C. pulchristriata looks similar to other Asian leaf turtles. The plastron is mostly yellow and the carapace is brownish red and elongated in shape.
The head of the adults is speckled and C. pulchristriata has a yellowish throat.
13. Myanmar Brown Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cyclemys fusca
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
C. fusca is called the Myanmar brown leaf turtle because it is mostly endemic to Myanmar and is a brown Asian leaf turtle. The species may be found in India but there are no records of its occurrence there.
C. fusca is generally found in hill forests in rocky streams. They can also be found on forest floors where they are found in dry stream beds
The carapace of this chelonian is ovoid and elongated, dark in coloration with no patterns. The plastron is also dark with or without radiation patterns. The neck and throat are dark and the head is yellowish-green.
C. fusca is estimated to reach maturity at the age of 7 years although the lifespan is unknown.
Cuora
14. Chinese Three-striped Box Turtle
- Scientific Name:
- Length: 9.4 inches (24 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora trifasciata is also known as the golden coin turtle. This chelonian occurs in southern China. It is found in Hong Kong, Hainan, Fujian to Guangdong to Guangxi.
Cuora trifasciata has a yellow marking on the head which gives it one of its common names – the golden coin turtle. Cuora trifasciata also has three stripes on its carapace which gives it its other common name, the Chinese three-striped box turtle.
The carapace of the turtle is brown and its carapace is black with a yellow border.
Cuora trifasciata is known to feed on insects, snails, crabs, frogs, fish, and carrion.
Cuora trifasciata has a generation length of 22 years.
15. Yunnan Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora yunnanensis
- Length: 5.9 to 6.9 inches (15 to 17.5 cm)
- Mass: 0.8 to 1.9 lb (375 to 850 grams)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora yunnanensis is a critically endangered species with less than 50 adults remaining.
Cuora yunnanensis is endemic to Yunnan (specifically Kunming) in China, where it gets its common name. Its range is estimated to be less than 10 square km.
The exact geographic origin of Cuora yunnanensis is unknown with northern Laos, southern Yunnan, northeastern Yunnan, and northwestern Yunnan all being suggested as potential geographic origins.
There is no information on the natural habitat of Cuora yunnanensis. The locality of Cuora yunnanensis is at an altitude of just under 1900 meters above sea level.
Females are larger than males. Females reach carapace lengths of 17.5 cm while males reach carapace lengths of 15 cm.
16. Zhou’s Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora zhoui
- Length: 6.9 inches (17.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora zhoui is named after Zhou Jiufa, a Chinese herpetologist. Very little is known of the species.
The geographic range of the turtle remains unknown although it is suspected to be endemic to the forests of western Guangxi or southeastern Yunnan.
A small number of Cuora zhoui occurs in captivity in breeding programs in the United States, Germany (the Allwetterzoo Münster), and china. Altogether there are about 140 individuals and 80 hatchlings as of December 2018.
The turtle has a black or dark brown carapace and a black plastron with big yellow spots.
17. Yellow-headed Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora aurocapitata / Cuora pani aurocapitata
- Length: 6.1 inches (15.6 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora aurocapitata is a suggested species endemic to Anhui province, specifically Jing County, Guangde County, Yi County, and Nanling County.
The chelonian is recognizable by its solid yellow head.
Cuora aurocapitata is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of Cuora pani.
Very little is known about the species in the wild. In captivity, the species have been known to eat fish, cat food, canned dog food, earthworms, crickets, shrimps, tomatoes, apples, strawberries, and bananas.
Males are known to be aggressive towards other members of their species as well as towards other turtles. Females are aggressive as well but not as aggressive as males are.
18. Bourret’s Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora bourreti / Cuora galbinifrons bourreti
- Length: 7.5 to 7.9 inches (19 to 20 cm)
- Mass: 1.8 to 2.6 lb (800 to 1200 grams)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora bourretiis also considered a subspecies of C. galbinifrons.
Cuora bourreti occurs in Laos PDR (Savannakhet Province) and central Viet Nam (Kon Tum Province, Quang Nam Province, Da Nang Province, Thua Thien-Hue Province, Quang Binh Province, Ha Tinh Province, and Nghe An Province).
Cuora bourreti is known as the Indochinese box turtle, central Vietnamese flowerback box turtle, and Bourret’s box turtle.
Cuora bourreti is terrestrial and can be found between altitudes of 300 m to 700 m asl. The species is endemic to closed-canopy evergreen forests.
Cuora bourreti reaches carapace lengths of 19 to 20 cm and a mass of 800 to 1200 grams. Both males and females are of a similar size. The species have a brown carapace and a brown body.
19. Indochinese Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora galbinifrons
- Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
- Mass: 1.8 to 2.6 lb (800 to 1200 grams)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
C. galbinifrons occurs in northern Viet Nam; Lao PDR; and Hainan and Guangxi in China. The species is known to occur at an altitude of 500 to 1000 m asl.
C. galbinifrons occurs in closed-canopy forests. As a box turtle, C. galbinifrons is mostly terrestrial.
As with most box turtles, C. galbinifrons is capable of swimming in shallow water or swamps. As a cool forest temperature, this turtle is generally found in habitats with temperatures below 28 degrees Celsius or 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
C. galbinifrons reaches carapace lengths of 20 cm and a mass of 800 to 1200 grams. Both males and females are of a similar size. The species have a yellow carapace and a yellow body.
20. Pan’s Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora pani
- Length: 6.3 inches (16 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora pani is endemic to the Hubei, Sichuan, and Shaanxi Provinces of central china. This turtle is known as Pan’s box turtle as it is named after Pan Lei, a Chinese biologist, and its ability to close itself off within its shell.
Sometimes two subspecies are determined for the species. These are the nominotypical subspecies known as C. p. pani and C. p. aurocapitata.
However, C. p. aurocapitata ( yellow-headed box turtle ) is considered a species on its own. As such, C. p. pani is redefined as the species.
Males are smaller than females. Females have a carapace length of up to 16 cm while males have a carapace length of up to 11 cm.
21. Keeled Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora mouhotii / Pyxidea mouhotii
- Length: 6 to 6.7 inches (15 to 18 cm)
- Lifespan: 50 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Cuora mouhotii is known to occur in central and northern Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and southern China. The species may occur in Thailand.
In southern China, the species have been recorded in Hainan, Guangxi, and Guangdong. Cuora mouhotii may also be found in Fujian, Yunnan, and Hunan.
Cuora mouhotii is commonly found in evergreen forms and swamp areas. The species is terrestrial.
Cuora mouhotii reaches maturity at the age of 10 years and has a generation length of 25 years. The species also has a lifespan of 50 years.
22. Yellow-margined Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora flavomarginata
- Length: 7.7 inches (19.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
C. flavomarginata is also known as the Chinese box turtle or the golden-headed turtle. This turtle is relatively popular in the pet trade where it is usually referred to as the Chinese box turtle.
C. flavomarginata is endemic to central China where it occurs in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Anhui, Henan, and Hunan. It can also be found in Japan (Iriomote, Ishigaki, and Ryukyu islands) and Taiwan.
C. flavomarginata is known to feed on small animals, fruits, and vegetation.
There are two recognized subspecies and these are C. f. flavomarginata and C. f. evelynae.
23. McCord’s Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora mccordi
- Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Cuora mccordi is a box turtle that is sometimes kept as pet. As with pets, it is best to acquire captive-bred. On the pet market, these turtles are very expensive and highly sought after.
Cuora mccordi is endemic to Guangxi in central china. Cuora mccordi is named after William Patrick McCord, a U.S. veterinarian.
The cara[ace of this turtle is reddish-brown and the plastron is yellow with large dark blotches that can sometimes cover most of the plastron. The bridge is yellow.
24. South Asian Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Cuora amboinensis
- Length: 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
This is another of the Asian box turtles that are commonly kept as pets. In China, the species is farmed to provide for human consumption.
There are four subspecies. These are Cuora a. amboinensis, Cuora a. couro, Cuora a. kamaroma, and Cuora a. lineata. Cuora a. Amboinensis occurs in the Philippines, Sulawesi, and the Moluccas.
Cuora a. couro occurs in Java and surrounding islands in Indonesia and Sumatra in Indonesia. Cuora a. kamaroma is found in Borneo, Palawan in the Philippines, and the Thai-Malay peninsula, and Cuora a. lineata occurs in Myanmar.
Geoclemys
25. Spotted Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Geoclemys hamiltonii
- Maximum Length: 16 inches (41 cm)
- Max Mass: 13 lb (6 kg)
- Common Names: bhut katha and kalo (Bengali)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Geoclemys hamiltonii is endemic to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Assam in India, and the drainages of the Ganges and Indus in Pakistan.
Geoclemys hamiltonii is known as the spotted pond turtle because of the small yellow spots on the shell and body. The carapace of this species is domed and blackish in coloration. This carapace has three keels.
Geoclemys hamiltonii occurs in shallow water bodies which are stagnant. They can also be found in reservoirs, ponds, and rivers.
Geoclemys hamiltonii is known to feed mainly on snails. It may also eat freshwater crustaceans, insects such as dragonfly larvae, and vegetables.
Geoemyda
26. Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Geoemyda spengleri
- Length: 5.1 inches (13 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Geoemyda spengleri is endemic to the hill forests of Guangxi, Hunan, Haina, and Guangdong in southern China; and northern Viet Nam as well as Lao PDR.
The population of the species is decreasing in both Viet Nam and China.
The increase in its price in trade suggests that its wild population has taken quite a hit. It is estimated that the species has seen a fall of about 70% in recent times.
Geoemyda spengleri is a terrestrial turtle that can sometimes be found in stress. This turtle can be found at elevations 500 to 1000 meters above sea level. Geoemyda spengleri inhabits closed-canopy forests.
The species eat fruits, leaves, insects, and snails. They are also difficult to keep as pets.
27. Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
- Scientific Name: Geoemyda japonica
- Length: 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Geoemyda japonica is endemic to Nansei-Shoto in Japan.
It can be found on the Ryukyu Islands which gives the species its common name. Geoemyda japonica is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan.
This turtle was once considered a subspecies of Geoemyda spengleri where it was classified as Geoemyda spengleri japonica. However, it was reclassified as a separate species in 1992.
Geoemyda japonica is rare and as such is coveted by collectors all over the world.
Geoemyda japonica is known to feed on fruits, insects, worms, and snails.
Heosemys
28. Giant Asian Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Heosemys grandis
- Length: 17.1 inches (43.5 cm)
- Lifespan: 70 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Heosemys grandis is a large pond turtle that occurs in central Malaysia. Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Lao PDR.
Heosemys grandis is known to inhibit slow-moving water bodies such as wetlands, swamps, slow-flowing rivers, and flood forests. The turtle divides its time between the water and on land.
Heosemys grandis reach maturity at the age of 15 years and has a generation length of 37 years.
As you may have guessed from the common name, this is a large turtle.
In fact, it is one of the largest semiaquatic turtles in Asia. The carapace is dark in coloration (dark gray, brown, and black) and the plastron and bridge are yellow.
29. Yellow-headed Temple Turtle
- Scientific Name: Heosemys annandalii
- Length: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Lifespan: 70 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Heosemys annandalii is quite large growing to a carapace length of 20 inches.
This species occurs in southern Vietnam, central and southern Thailand, northern Malaysia, Mekong lowlands in Lao PDR, and Cambodia. Heosemys annandalii may be found in Myanmar although no specimens have been recorded there.
Heosemys annandalii doesn’t inhibit fast-moving waters of hilly regions. Instead, it is found in the lowlands where it inhabits swamps, inundated forests, and fields.
Heosemys annandalii has a lifespan of 70 years. They reach maturity at 15 years. And the average age of parents of the species is 37 years.
30. Spiny Turtle
- Scientific Name: Heosemys spinosa
- Length: 9 inches (23 cm)
- Lifespan: 35 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Heosemys spinosa occurs in Thailand; Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia); southern Myanmar; Brunei; Sumatra, Kalimantan; and Singapore.
Heosemys spinosa is known as the spiny turtle because of the spiny projections around the edge of the carapace. The carapace is dark in coloration (brown).
Heosemys spinosa occurs in lowland swaps, hilly dreams, and flooded forests.
Heosemys spinosa has a lifespan of 35 years. They reach maturity at 7 years. And the average age of parents of the species is 17 years.
Malayemys
31. Mekong Snail-eating Turtle
- Scientific Name: Malayemys subtrijuga
- Length: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
- Lifespan: 20 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Malayemys subtrijuga occurs in the Mekong River and eats snails. These two characteristics give the species its common name.
Malayemys subtrijuga is monotypic within the genus Malayemys until recently (2004-2005). Currently, there are two other snail-eating turtles within its genus.
Malayemys subtrijuga occurs in the Mekong River basin within eastern Thailand, south-central Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.
The carapace of Malayemys subtrijuga is brown with a yellow border. The plastron is yellow in coloration.
Malayemys subtrijuga has a lifespan of 20 years. They reach maturity at 5 years. And the average age of parents of the species is 10 years.
32. Malayan Snail-eating Turtle
- Scientific Name: Malayemys macrocephala
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Malayemys macrocephala occurs in Malaysia where it gets its common name and Thailand. In Malaysia, it is found in Peninsular Malaysia, and in Thailand, it occurs in central and northern Thailand as well as Peninsular Thailand.
Malayemys macrocephala may also be endemic to Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.
Malayemys macrocephala has a stable wild population. It is quite common in Thailand where it has a Vulnerable status in the ONEP Red Data. The population in Malaysia on the other hand is small.
The species live in paddy fields and other flooded habitats.
33. Khorat Snail-eating Turtle
- Scientific Name: Malayemys khoratensis
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Malayemys khoratensis occurs in the Mekong River in Lao PDR and Khorat Plateau in Thailand which lends the species its common name.
This species is known to inhabit paddy fields and other seasonally flooded habitats.
Mauremys
34. Yellow Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Mauremys mutica
- Length: 7.7 inches (19.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Mauremys mutica is a pond turtle that occurs in the lowlands of Lao PDR; central and northern Viet Nam; Taiwan, and Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Fujian, Yunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan in China.
Mauremys mutica is critically endangered and the population has been estimated to have fallen over 80 years over the last 60 years. As such the species is considered endangered in China and Viet Nam.
Mauremys mutica has a generation length of about 20 years. This is the average age of parents.
The species has a dark carapace and yellow head, throat, neck, and limbs. The plastron is also yellowish.
35. Japanese Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Mauremys japonica
- Length: 5.5 to 8 inches (14 to 20 cm)
- Common Name: ishigame (Japanese)
- Lifespan: 20 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
This species is also known as the Japanese stone turtle or simply the Japanese turtle.
Mauremys japonica is endemic to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. It occurs in fast-moving freezing waters. It can brumate at the bottom of frozen ponds during the winter.
Mauremys japonica reaches an average carapace length of about 7 inches. Males are much smaller and reach a length of 5.5 inches or 14 cm. Females are much bigger and reach an average length of 8 inches or 20 cm.
The carapace of the species is dark in coloration (black or dark brown). The plastron is light in coloration.
This turtle is known to feed on fruit, water weeds, algae, earworms, aquatic insects, crayfish, crabs, shrimp, fish, larvae, and frogs.
36. Chinese Red-necked Turtle
- Scientific Name: Mauremys nigricans
- Length: 7.2 to 11.7 inches (18.5 to 29.8 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Mauremys nigricans occurs in China, specifically in Guangdong and Guangxi. Its geographic range and the reddish coloration of some specimens’ necks give this turtle its common name.
Mauremys nigricans is also called black-necked pong turtle, Kwangtung river turtle, and dumb-head. The specimens with red necks are however quite rare. Most individuals found have black necks.
The carapace of Mauremys nigricans is black and so are the head, neck, and limbs. A few individuals have reddish necks. The plastron is orange to reddish with black spots on each scute.
Females are larger than males. Males reach a carapace length of 7.2 inches while females reach a carapace length of 11.7 inches.
37. Chinese Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Mauremys reevesii
- Other Names: Reeves’ Turtle
- Length: 4.3 to 9.4 inches (11 to 24 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Mauremys reevesii is endemic to subtropical and temperate South Korea, North Korea, and China. The species may have also been introduced to Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Mauremys reevesii occurs in all those places as well. Humans have introduced Mauremys reevesii to Palau, East Timor, and Timor in Indonesia.
Although the species used to be common in the past, it is now rare. In China, captive populations are in the millions. It is farmed in China for human consumption.
Males are tiny compared to females. While males reach a carapace length of 11 cm, females reach a carapace length of 24 cm.
Melanochelys
38. Tricarinate Hill Turtle
- Scientific Name: Melanochelys tricarinatah
- Common Names: shila kochop (Bengali), Three-keeled Land Turtle
- Maximum Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Melanochelys tricarinata is endemic in southern Nepal and India. It may also occur in Bangladesh.
The species inhabits Dudhwa Tiger Reserve & Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh and Orang Wildlife Sanctuary & Kaziranga National Park in Assam where it is native to the deciduous forest hills.
Melanochelys tricarinata is terrestrial and can be found during the wet season. The species has a generation length of 15 years and reaches maturity at 5 years.
Melanochelys tricarinata has a domed carapace with three yellow keels. The carapace is dark in coloration.
39. Indian Black Turtle
- Scientific Name: Melanochelys trijuga
- Length: 15 to 17.7 inches (38 to 45 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
This turtle is a common freshwater turtle in south Asia. It is also known as an Indian pond terrapin.
The terrapin has a dark carapace which may be reddish or even black. This carapace has yellow streaks.
The plastron is solid brown. The species has yellowish or orange spots on the face. These spots vary from one subspecies to another.
There are five subspecies and these are M. t. coronata, known as the Cochin black turtle, which is endemic in India; M. t. indopeninsularis, also known as the Bangladesh black turtle, which is endemic to India and Nepal; M. t. parkeri, which is endemic to Sri Lanka; M. t. thermalis, known as the Sri Lanka black turtle, which is endemic to India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka; and M. t. trijuga, known as the peninsula black turtle, which is endemic to India.
Morenia
40. Bengal Eyed Terrapin
- Scientific Name: Morenia ocellata
- Other Names: Burmese-Eyed Turtle
- Length: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Morenia ocellata is called the eyed turtle because of the eye patterns on the scutes of the turtle’s carapace.
Morenia ocellata can only be found in Myanmar formerly known as Burma. This geographic locale also lends its name to the species’ common name.
Morenia ocellata is found in upland Myanmar in small numbers and the majority of the population is endemic to the lowlands of southern Myanmar.
Morenia ocellata has a brown carapace with eye patterns on the scutes.
Morenia ocellata is semiaquatic and generally inhabits slow-moving water bodies such as slow-moving rivers, ponds, streams, paddy fields, and mangroves.
41. Indian Eyed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Morenia petersi
- Length: 7 to 7.9 inches (18 to 20 cm)
- Max Mass: 2.5 lb (1150 grams)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Morenia petersi is endemic to southern Nepal, Bangladesh, and northern India. Morenia petersi occurs in the northern tributaries of the Brahmaputra and the Ganga as well as the delta regions of these water bodies.
Morenia petersi is endemic to stagnant water with dense vegetation and riparian habitats. Morenia petersi basks in shallow water, or on sandbanks.
Morenia petersi is herbivorous and feeds on soft plant matter.
This turtle is relatively sized. Males reach carapace lengths of about 18 cm while females reach a carapace length of about 20 cm. The largest recorded specimen was a female with a 22 cm long carapace and a mass of 1150 grams.
Orlitia
42. Malaysian Giant Turtle
- Scientific Name: Orlitia borneensis
- Other Names: Bornean River Turtle
- Length: 31 inches (80 cm)
- Max Weight: 110 lb (50 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
This is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world and the largest freshwater turtle in Southeast Asia. Orlitia borneensis is as large as a marine turtle.
Orlitia borneensis can reach a length of 31 inches and a weight of 110 pounds.
Orlitia borneensis is endemic to Malaysia where it gets its name, as well as Indonesia – specifically Sumatra and Kalimantan.
The species is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Orlitia borneensis is estimated to have lost about 80 percent of its entire wild population over the last 90 years.
Pangshura
43. Indian Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Pangshura tecta
- Length: 9 inches (23 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Pangshura tecta is endemic to the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges basins in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. There have also been reports of specimens in the Mahanadi river basin.
Pangshura tecta occur in quiet waters as well as fast-flowing water bodies. These chelonians are herbivorous and feed on vegetation almost exclusively.
The species reaches maturity at the age of four years but has a generation length of 12 years. The generation length is the average age of parents.
The carapace of the species is olive with juveniles having black spots on the carapace. The plastron on the other hand is reddish-orange.
44. Indian Tent Turtle
- Scientific Name: Pangshura tentoria
- Length: 10.4 inches (26.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Pangshura tentoria are endemic to Godavari, Mahanadi, Brahmaputra, and the Ganga river systems. There are three subspecies of this turtle and each subspecies is found in a different region of the geographic range.
P. t. tentoria occurs in Orissa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and is endemic to India.
P. t. circumdata occurs in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh in India, and southern Nepal. The subspecies only occur in the central and upper parts of the Ganga river basin.
P. t. flaviventer is endemic to the lower Ganga and is endemic to Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.
45. Assam Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Pangshura sylhetensis
- Length: 3.9 to 7.3 inches (10 to 18.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Pangshura sylhetensis occurs in Assam in India, Bangladesh, and probably Bhutan.
The species occurs in freshwater habitats where it inhabits fast-moving streams and small rivers. The species is also known to live in oxbow lakes.
Pangshura sylhetensis is semiaquatic and basks most of the day during the cooler months. In cooler streams, the species might bask throughout the year.
Pangshura sylhetensis is a cautious species that does not bask on river banks but rather on rocks and logs on the surface of its habitat.
Females are much larger than males. Males reach carapace lengths of 10 cm while females reach carapace lengths of 18.5 cm.
46. Brown Roofed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Pangshura smithii
- Length: 18 inches (22 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
There are two subspecies and these are P. s. smithii (the nominotypical subspecies) which occurs in the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Indus river systems in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh; and P. s. pallidipes which is endemic to the Ganges northern tributaries in Nepal and India.
Pangshura smithii occurs in swamps and rivers and basks during the day.
Pangshura smithii is known as the brown roofed turtle because of its brown carapace. The plastron is dark down.
Pangshura smithii is the only species of Geoemydidae that exhibits ZZ/ZW sex determination.
Rhinoclemmys
This is the only genus endemic to the Americas.
47. Large-nosed Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Rhinoclemmys nasuta
- Length: 8.7 inches (22 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Rhinoclemmys nasuta is a wood turtle that is endemic to Ecuador and Colombia. The Ecuadorian subpopulation has wider marginals and carapaces.
In western Colombia, R. nasuta occurs in the Baudo River, Docampado River, San Juan River, Truando River, and Quito River. In Ecuador, R. nasuta occurs in the northwest near Esmeraldas.
R. nasuta inhabits fast-moving large rivers. R. nasuta is aquatic and only comes on land to bask and nest.
The carapace of R. nasuta is smooth with juveniles having rugosities on their carapace. The carapace is dark in coloration. The plastron is yellow with a reddish-brown blotch on the scutes.
48. Brown Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Rhinoclemmys annulata
- Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
Rhinoclemmys annulata is endemic to Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia.
This wood turtle is terrestrial and occurs in lowland rainforests. However, it can also occur in gallery forests with elevations of over 1500 m above sea level.
Rhinoclemmys annulata is brown to black in coloration with a carapace with variable colorations and patterns.
49. Furrowed Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Rhinoclemmys areolata
- Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
This is a domed semi-terrestrial chelonian with an oval carapace. The scutes of the carapace have growth rings.
The shell is rugose in juveniles but smooths out with age. This carapace is olive or tan to black. The plastron is yellow with a blotch and dark seams.
Rhinoclemmys areolata occurs in Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. In mexico, this turtle occurs in cozumel island, yucatan, eastern chiapas, tabasco, and southern veracruz.
The species is generally terrestrial and lives in savannas and woodlands. It can also be found in marshes.
50. Black Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Rhinoclemmys funerea
- Length: 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
R. funerea is known as the black wood turtle or the black river turtle. The carapacial coloration of the species is black or dark brown with yellow pleurals in juveniles.
The plastron is also black with yellow borders. Overall, the coloration of R. funerea is dark.
The species is endemic to the Panama Canal Zone and the Caribbean drainages from the Rio Coco on the Nicaragua-Honduran border.
R. funerea has been seen to bask on logs. This turtle inhabits rivers, streams, ponds, swamps, and marshes in humid forests.
51. Mexican Spotted Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Rhinoclemmys rubida
- Length: 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
R. rubida is endemic to Mexico and is also known as the Mexican spotted terrapin.
There are two subspecies. R. r. rubida is endemic to Chiapas and Oaxaca. This is the pacific versant. R. r. perixantha is endemic to Balsas de Morelos, Michoaca, Colima, and Jalisco.
The species is terrestrial and occurs near streams in low scrub forests, semi-deciduous forests, pine-oak forests, dry forests, and coastal woodlands.
R. rubida mostly feeds on vegetation shoots, fruits, and animal matter. R. rubida is active during the wet season.
While females reach a carapace length of 18 cm, males reach a carapace length of 23 cm.
Sacalia
52. Four-eyed Turtle
Scientific Name: Sacalia quadriocellata
Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
S. quadriocellata grows to a length of 6 inches. The carapacial coloration is yellow to chocolate brown with individual patterns of lines.
The heads have reddish throats, yellow stripes, and green or yellow eyes. There are two eyelike patterns at the back of the head which gives Sacalia quadriocellata its common name.
There is a mysterious Chinese false-eyed turtle (Sacalia pseudocellata), however, this species has not been confirmed and is most likely a hybrid of Sacalia quadriocellata and Mauremys reevesii.
This species is endemic to Viet Nam, Laos PDR (in the Annamite Mountains), and China (Hainan and southern China).
53. Beal’s Four-eyed Turtle
- Scientific Name: Sacalia bealei
- Length: 7 inches (18 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Sacalia bealei is an endangered turtle species named after Thomas Beale, who was a Scottish merchant who operated in China and a naturalist.
S. bealei is endemic to China and occurs in mountainous streams and forest-covered streams with a lot of large stones.
S. bealei is nocturnal and feeds on worms and crayfish. The species is moderately sized.
The carapace is flattened and smooth. The head of the species is green.
There are two forms of the species. The first form has a yellowish-brown carapace, while the other form has a brown carapace.
This turtle has two eyelike patterns at the back of the head.
Siebenrockiella
54. Black Marsh Turtle
- Scientific Name: Siebenrockiella crassicollis
- Length: 7.9 inches (20 cm)
- Lifespan: 35 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
S. crassicollis is an endangered turtle that is endemic to Java, Kalimantan, and Sumatra in Indonesia; western Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia in Malaysia; southern Viet Nam; Cambodia; Khorat Plateau and other lowland areas in Thailand, and southern Myanmar.
The species is known to reach sexual maturity at the age of 7 years. S. crassicollis has a lifespan of 35 years and a generation length of 18 years.
S. crassicollis is known to be aquatic and inhabits stagnant water bodies or slow-moving water bodies with abundant vegetation.
S. crassicollis is one of the few turtle species that exhibits XX/XY sex determination.
55. Palawan Forest Turtle
- Scientific Name: Siebenrockiella leytensis
- Local Name: bakoko (Cuyonon), Philippine Pond Turtle
- Average Length: 8.3 inches (21 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
This is a critically endangered species endemic to the Philippines. This turtle is also known as the Leyte pond turtle (although it does occur in Leyte), the Palawan turtle, the Philippine pond turtle, and the Philippine forest turtle.
The average carapace length of the species is 8.3 inches, although individuals have been known to reach a length of 12 inches.
The carapace of this forest turtle is black to dark brown with ginkgo-shaped vertebral scutes.
Siebenrockiella leytensis is native to forest habitats and lives in rivers, creeks, and streams.
Vijayachelys
56. Cochin Forest Cane Turtle
- Scientific Name: Vijayachelys silvatica
- Length: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Vijayachelys silvatica is a rare turtle species also known as cane turtle, forest cane turtle, and Kavalai forest turtle. V. silvatica occurs in India specifically in western Tamil, Karnataka, and Kerala. The species is named Cochin forest cane turtle because that was the geographic location of the species when first described.
This turtle is tiny compared to others in the family Geoemydidae. The carapace is flattened with a keel down the back lengthwise.
There is also a lateral keel but this isn’t prominent. The plastron of the V. silvatica is almost as large as the carapace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Geoemydidae make good pets?
Many Geoemydidae make excellent pets. These include the genus Cuora which are referred to as Asian box turtles.
These turtles are easy to care for and keep. They are also relatively easy to find on the pet market.
Regardless when acquiring a member of the family make sure you acquire it from a reputable breeder. Captive-bred specimens also make the best pet turtles.
Is it legal to own Geoemydidae as pets?
While some Geoemydidae are kept as pets, most are endangered and are illegal to keep as pets.
Some Geoemydidae that are commonly kept as pets are the genus Cuora. These include the Southeast Asian box turtle, yellow-margined box Turtle, and McCord’s box turtle.
What families are closely related to Geoemydidae?
Geoemydidae is closely related to Testudinidae and Emydidae.
Are Geoemydidae endangered?
About 70 percent of species within the family Geoemydidae are threatened – vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
In fact, most Geoemydidae are endangered. The family contains the most endangered species of any family of the order Testudines.
Conclusion
Geoemydidae is one of the largest and most diverse families within the order Testudines. This family has about 50 to 60 species.
Species within the family occur in Central and South America, Asia, North Africa, and Europe. One genus (Rhinoclemmys) occurs in the Americas.
Geoemydidae is closely related to Testudinidae and Emydidae and was once considered a subfamily of Emydidae (where it was named Bataguridae) until the 1980s. In fact, the family is sometimes referred to as Bataguridae by some sources.
Geoemydidae is further divided into two subfamilies namely Geoemydinae and Rhinoclemmydinae. The subfamily Rhinoclemmydinae is endemic to Central and South America while the subfamily Geoemydinae is endemic to the rest of the family’s geographic range.