Annam Leaf Turtle

Mauremys Annamensis

Scientific Name

Annam Leaf Turtle:  
Mauremys Annamensis

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

This species is found in Central Vietnam only. It was reportedly abundant in the 1930s but all field surveys after 1941 had failed to locate any individuals in the wild.

Natural Habitat

Lowland marshes and slow moving streams.

Physical Characteristics

  • Broad head and strong, mollusk-crushing jaws. It can reach lengths of up to six inches. The ground color of the plastron (bottom shell) is yellow or orange yellow, with a large black spot. The upper part of the head is dark brown. A pale yellow stripe begins at each nostril and passes through each eye along the neck. A pale yellow stripe begins at each nostril and passes through each eye along the neck.Its toes are completely webbed.

Quick Facts

  1. All turtles reproduce by laying eggs. Digging a nest with their hind legs, the turtles then lay their eggs and afterwards cover it over. The number of eggs laid varies widely.

  2. The top shell, the carapace, is made up of approximately 50 bones.

  3. They hide themselves in thick vegetation, hence the name leaf turtle.

Exhibit

Amphibian and Reptile Center

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered: The Annam Leaf Turtle is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore

Little is known as to what these turtles consume in the wild. In human care they are fed fruits, vegetable and some fish.

Images