Malayan Box Turtle
Scientific Classification
Species |
Cuora amboinensis cuoro |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines |
| Family | Geomydidae |
| IUCN Status | Vulnerable |
Appearance and life span
Malayan box turtles are also known as the Amboina box turtle. They have a dark olive or black head with 3 yellow stripes along each side. Adults can reach up to 20 cm (8 in). Their shells are also dark olive or black in colour which is domed. In captivity, this species can live more than 38 years while in the wild can live between 25-30 years.
Behaviour and reproduction
Mating for this species occurs in the water. Females will find a moist area to dig a nest with their hind legs to lay 1 to 5 eggs per nest. Malayan box turtles can lay several nests per year. The average incubation occurs for up to 76 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 4 to 5 years. Once eggs hatch the Malayan box turtle will not provide any parental care similar to other turtle species.
Ecology and conservation
Malayan Box turtles live in lowland tropical rain forests of Southeast Asia. They are aquatic and are found in temperatures between 23 to 35OC (75 to 95oF). They are typically found in rice fields, marshes and shallow ponds due to their preference of still water. Malayan box turtles will eat an omnivorous diet consisting of fruit, vegetation, worms, crickets, fish and other insects.
Food at the Zoo
At Riverview Park and Zoo, we feed the Malayan box turtle fruits like melons, strawberries, kiwi, peach grapes, mango, kale, lettuce and yam as well as super worms, chopped smelt and commercial turtle pellets.
Threats
Populations are declining due to heavy exploitation of the species for food and souvenirs in Asian countries. Additionally, the pet trade has also lead to the decline of wild populations.
Did you know?
- Box turtles can completely tuck their bodies inside their shells due to the hinged plastron on the bottom of their shells which enables their legs arms and head to be completely hidden.
- Malayan Box turtles eat 2 to 3 times a week.
- Hatchling Malayan box turtles are quite large in comparison to other species of turtles, giving them a slightly higher advantage for survival.