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Notochelys platynota (Gray, 1834)
| Family Name: | Geoemydidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Vertebrates (Reptile) |
| Common Name: | Malayan Flatshell Terrapin |
Name
Description
| Description | Carapace brown with a flat top and sharp sloping posterior profile in side view, rear margin serrated, no mid-dorsal ridge. Distinguished from all local turtles in having six, or even seven, vertebral scutes (instead of five). Head brown with or without reddish stripes, limbs brown. The carapace of hatchlings are bright green with small black spots. |
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Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Inhabits forest streams where it seems to be nocturnally active and omnivorous. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Freshwater |
| Distribution | In Singapore, recorded once in the Western Catchment Area, and very infrequently from the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Widely distributed in Southeast Asia. |
| Nature Reserves | Central Catchment Nature Reserve |
| Nature Areas | Western Catchment Area |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Habitat degradation. Illegal collecting. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | May be collected for food or for the pet trade. |
| Conservation Notes | Habitat protection, strict policing against illegal collections. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Conservation Status | Rare |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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