Asian Leaf Turtle - Five Sisters Zoo

Named called Leaf turtles because of the shape of their carapace (upper shell). Individuals have reddish-brown skin, with light brown stripes on their neck. Their carapace is dark brown with fine black lines, flattened and oval-shaped. It has a raised keel running in the middle line and serrated edges along the back. Their plastron (underside) is yellow with fine dark lines.

Facts

  • Diet: Omnivores
  • Length: 15 to 24 cm long
  • Weight: 1.5kg
  • Habitat: streams, swamps, wetlands and forests of Southeast Asia
  • Life span: They can live more than 15 years under human care

 

Adapted to Survive

  • An individuals can pull its head and legs inside their shell if threatened
  • Their shape and colouration helps individuals to camouflage! They can hide in the mud and at the bottom of swamps

Threats

  • Habitat Loss
  • Pet Trade
  • Food Trade

IUCN Conservation Status

Near Threatened

< Back to list

© Copyright 2023 Five sisters Zoo