The Asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys dentata) is a species of turtle found in Southeast Asia. They are quite common in the pet trade; their carapaces resemble that of a Cuora amboinensis hybrid.

Feeding

This species is omnivorous and feeds on vegetation and fruits, as well as mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. It is also known to be a scavenger and very often seen to take carrion.

Behavior

The Asian leaf turtle is quite elusive and sighting is uncommon. It is not strong swimmer preferring instead to walk on the bottom of a body of water rather than swimming freely. According to Das, the adult spends its nights on land and moves to water during the day. It will squirt its digestive system contents when it feels threatened.

Size

Asian leaf turtles can grow 6 to 9.5 inches (15 to 24 cm) long and 4.5 to 6.5 inches in width.

Distribution

The turtle can be found in North India, North-east India (Manipur), Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, West Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Bali), Philippines (Palawan: Calamian Islands etc.), and China.

This species is found up to 1,200 m of elevation, but the depth range is unknown.

References

  • Farkas B.; Gyurján I. (1998). "Geographic Distribution. Cyclemys dentata". Herpetological Review. 29 (1): 50.
  • Fritz U.; Gaulke M.; Lehr E. (1997). "Revision der südostasiatischen Dornschildkröten-Gattung Cyclemys Bell 1834, mit Beschreibung einer neuen Art". Salamandra. 33 (3): 183–212.183-212&rft.date=1997&rft.au=Fritz U.&rft.au=Gaulke M.&rft.au=Lehr E.&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Asian leaf turtle">
  • Gaulke Maren (1995). "On the distribution of Emydid turtles and the Anuran genus Microhyla in the Philippines Asiatic". Herpetological Research. 6: 49–52. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.7986.49-52&rft.date=1995&rft_id=info:doi/10.5962/bhl.part.7986&rft.au=Gaulke Maren&rft_id=https://doi.org/10.5962%2Fbhl.part.7986&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Asian leaf turtle">
  • Gaulke Maren; Fritz Uwe (1998). "Distribution patterns of batagurid turtles in the Philippines (Testudines: BataguridaCuora, Cyclemys, Heosemys)". Herpetozoa. 11 (1/2): 3–12.3-12&rft.date=1998&rft.au=Gaulke Maren&rft.au=Fritz Uwe&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Asian leaf turtle">
  • Gray, J.E. 1857 Notice of some Indian tortoises (including the description of a new species presented to the British Museum by Professor Oldham). Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (2) 19: 342-344
  • Gray, J.E. 1864 Observations on the box tortoises, with the description of three new Asiatic species. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3) 13: 105-111
  • Gray, J.E. 1873 On the original form, development, and cohesion of the bones of the sternum of chelonians; with notes on the skeleton of Sphargis. Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (4) 11: 161-172

External links

  • Cyclemys dentata at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  • Asian Leaf Turtles

The Beauty of Nature Asian Leaf Turtle

Asian Leaf Turtle Underground Reptiles

Asian Leaf Turtle Underground Reptiles

Asian Leaf Turtle

Asian Leaf Turtle Cyclemys Dentata Stock Photo Image of asian, animal