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Heosemys spinosa (Gray, 1831)
| Family Name: | Geoemydidae |
| Synonyms: | Emys spinosa (Gray, 1831) |
| Taxonomic Group: | Vertebrates (Reptile) |
| Common Name: | Spiny Hill Terrapin, Spiny Terrapin |
Name
Description
| Size | 23 cm |
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| Description | Small to mecium sized tortoise with a rosy brown shell. Juveniles have the underside of the shell bright ochre yellow with a pattern of black lines, and serrations ('spines') along the edges of the shell. These become worn and obscured as the animal grows larger. Carapace with a flat top in side view, brown with serrated rear margin and a pale brown mid-dorsal ridge, and five vertebral scutes. Plastral scutes with blackish radiating lines. Head and limbs dark grey; a reddish spot on each side of the head. The carapace of hatchlings appears more flat and heart-shaped in top view, the margins covered with spiky serrations. |
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Inhabits mature forest where it seems to be nocturnally active and omnivorous. Adults are terrestrial in habits, while juvenile are more amphibious. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | In Singapore, native populations of this species seems to be confined to the Central Nature Reserves. Distributed in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Mindanao. |
| Nature Reserves | Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Habitat degradation. Illegal collecting for the pet trade. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Hatchlings are in high demand as exotic pets. |
| Conservation Notes | Habitat protection, strict policing against illegal collections, captive breeding programmes. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Conservation Status | Rare |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [3rd Edition] |
Photos
References
| References | Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp Davison G.W.H., Gan J.W.M., Huang D., Hwang W.S., Lum S.K.Y., Yeo D.C.J. (eds.). 2024. The Singapore Red Data Book: Red Lists of Singapore Biodiversity, Third Edition. National Parks Board, Singapore. Ng, P.K.L. & Wee, Y.C. (Eds.). 1994. The Singapore Red Data Book (1st Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 343pp |
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