Native Turtles Of Indonesia

Indonesia is packed with turtle diversity thanks to its islands, rivers, and rainforests. Some species here aren’t found anywhere else. If you’re curious about the turtles that live across Indonesia, this page gives you the full list—no fluff, just facts.

Native Turtles Of Indonesia

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  Pelochelys cantorii (Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle)

  Pelochelys cantorii, or Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Known for its broad, smooth shell and secretive nature, this species spends most of its life buried in sand, surfacing only to breathe or feed. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelochelysSpecies: P. cantorii Common Names…

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  Pelochelys bibroni (Bibron’s Giant soft-shelled Turtle)

  Pelochelys bibroni, known as Bibron’s Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles on Earth. It’s elusive and rarely seen, making it one of the most mysterious turtle species in the wild. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelochelysSpecies: Pelochelys bibroni Common Names Bibron’s Giant Soft-shelled TurtleSouthern New Guinea giant softshell…

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  Siebenrockiella crassicollis (Black marsh turtle)

  Siebenrockiella crassicollis, commonly known as the black marsh turtle, is a freshwater species native to Southeast Asia. It has a dark, almost black shell and is known for its secretive nature, often hiding in muddy waters and dense vegetation. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: SiebenrockiellaSpecies: S. crassicollis Common Names Identification Description The…

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  Notochelys platynota (Malayan flat-shelled turtle)

  Notochelys platynota, commonly known as the Malayan flat-shelled turtle, is a freshwater species native to Southeast Asia. It is recognized for its distinctive flattened carapace and semi-aquatic lifestyle, often found in slow-moving water bodies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: NotochelysSpecies: Notochelys platynota Common Names Malayan flat-shelled turtleFlat-shelled terrapin Identification Description This species…

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  Orlitia borneensis (Malaysian Giant Turtle)

  Orlitia borneensis, known as the Malaysian Giant Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in Southeast Asia. This species is highly aquatic and prefers deep, slow-moving rivers and lakes. Due to habitat loss and illegal trade, its population has declined significantly in recent years. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: OrlitiaSpecies: O….

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  Manouria emys (Asian forest tortoise)

  Manouria emys, commonly known as the Asian forest tortoise, is the largest tortoise native to mainland Asia. Known for its adaptability, it inhabits dense forests and is highly active compared to other tortoise species. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: ManouriaSpecies: Manouria emys Common Names Asian forest tortoiseBurmese brown tortoiseSix-legged tortoise Identification Description…

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  Leucocephalon yuwonoi (Sulawesi Forest Turtle)

  Leucocephalon yuwonoi, known for its unique head coloring, is a freshwater turtle found in Sulawesi. It is not large but stands out due to its distinctive appearance and reclusive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: LeucocephalonSpecies: Leucocephalon yuwonoi Common Names Sulawesi forest turtle Identification Native Origin and Distribution Geographical Range: They live…

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  Indotestudo forstenii (Forsten’s Tortoise)

  Indotestudo forstenii, commonly known as Forsten’s Tortoise, is a unique species of tortoise native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its distinctive shell patterns and adaptive behaviors, this tortoise plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Despite facing various threats, ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve its population and natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification…

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  Heosemys spinosa (Spiny Turtle)

  Heosemys spinosa, commonly known as the spiny turtle, is a distinctive species native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Named for the spiky projections along the edges of its shell, this turtle’s unique appearance provides camouflage among the forest floor’s leaf litter. Its secretive nature and declining population have made it a subject of…

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  Elseya schultzei (Schultze’s Snapping Turtle)

  Elseya schultzei is a species of freshwater turtle known for its hard, domed shell and its presence in the rivers of Papua New Guinea. This turtle is a member of the Elseya genus, a group of large river turtles, and plays a crucial role in the local aquatic ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description…

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  Elseya papua (Merauke snapping turtle)

  Elseya papua is a species of freshwater turtle native to Papua New Guinea. This turtle is part of the family Chelidae and is notable for its strong swimming abilities and aquatic lifestyle, making it well-adapted to river systems and lakes. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Elseya papua is a medium to large freshwater…

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  Elseya novaeguineae (New Guinea Snapping Turtle)

  Elseya novaeguineae is a freshwater turtle species primarily found in New Guinea and parts of Northern Australia. Known for its large size and distinctive saw-like ridges on its carapace, this species plays a key role in maintaining the balance of its freshwater habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Elseya…

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  Elseya nabire (Nabire Snapping Turtle)

  Elseya nabire is a species of freshwater turtle found in the Nabire region of Papua, Indonesia. This species is known for its distinct dark coloration and preference for slow-moving waters. It was identified relatively recently and has since drawn attention due to its unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Elseya…

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  Dogania subplana (Malayan softshell turtle)

  Dogania subplana, commonly known as the Malayan Softshell Turtle, is a unique freshwater species notable for its soft, leathery shell. This turtle is well-adapted to its aquatic lifestyle, displaying remarkable speed and agility in the water. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:The Malayan Softshell Turtle has a flat, soft shell with a leathery texture, which…

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  Cyclemys dentata (Asian leaf turtle)

  Cyclemys dentata, commonly known as the Asian Leaf Turtle or the Brown Stream Turtle, is a medium-sized freshwater turtle found in Southeast Asia. Known for its distinct serrated carapace, this species is primarily terrestrial but often ventures into shallow water bodies. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:Cyclemys dentata has a dark brown to black carapace…

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  Cuora couro (Sunda Box Turtle)

  Cuora couro is a fascinating species of turtle known for its unique shell pattern and adaptability to various environments. This species is notable for its striking appearance and intriguing behavior, making it a subject of interest for herpetologists and turtle enthusiasts alike. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description: Cuora couro typically has a dark brown…

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  Cuora amboinensis (Amboina box turtle)

  Cuora amboinensis, commonly known as the Southeast Asian Box Turtle, is a species of turtle found in Southeast Asia. Known for its distinctive hinged plastron that allows it to completely close its shell, this species is popular in the pet trade and is of significant cultural importance in its native regions. Scientific Classification Common Names…

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  Chelodina novaeguineae (New Guinea Snake-necked Turtle)

  Chelodina novaeguineae, commonly known as the New Guinea Snake-necked Turtle, is a unique species recognized for its long neck and distinct appearance. It is primarily found in the freshwater environments of New Guinea. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The New Guinea Snake-necked Turtle has an elongated neck that can be as long as its…

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  Chelodina mccordi (McCord’s snakeneck turtle)

  Chelodina Mccordi, commonly known as McCord’s snakeneck turtle, is a critically endangered species of turtle. This species is native to the Indonesian island of Rote and is known for its elongated neck and unique appearance. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: ChelodinaSpecies: C. mccordi Common Names Identification Description Chelodina mccordi is characterized by…

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  Chelodina gunaleni (Gunaleni’s Snake-necked Turtle)

  Chelodina gunaleni is a freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive long neck and striking appearance. This species, part of the Chelidae family, has garnered attention due to its unique adaptive features and ecological role in its native habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Chelodina gunaleni thrives in slow-moving…

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  Chitra vandijki (Van Dijk’s Softshell Turtle)

  Chitra vandijki, commonly known as the Burmese narrow-headed softshell turtle, is a rare and critically endangered species. This aquatic turtle is known for its distinctively elongated head and flattened shell, making it one of the most unique softshells in its range. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat This turtle prefers…

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  Chitra chitra (Asian Giant Softshell Turtle)

  Chitra chitra, commonly known as the Asian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle, is a large freshwater turtle species known for its distinctively elongated head and flattened shell. This turtle is noteworthy not only for its unique physical attributes but also for its rarity and critically endangered status. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred…

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  Batagur borneoensis (Painted Terrapin)

  Batagur borneoensis, also known as the painted terrapin, is a notable freshwater turtle species. Distinguished by its vivid coloration and significant cultural importance in its native regions, it is under serious threat due to habitat destruction and exploitation. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Batagur borneoensis features a distinctive grey to olive shell and a…

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  Batagur baska (Northern river terrapin)

  Batagur baska, commonly known as the northern river terrapin, is a critically endangered species of turtle found in parts of Southeast Asia. This species is noted for its striking shell and historically significant decline in numbers due to human activity. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Batagur baska has a broad, smooth carapace that can…

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  Batagur affinis (Southern River Terrapin)

  Batagur affinis, commonly known as the Southern River Terrapin, is a critically endangered species of river turtle found in Southeast Asia. This species is known for its unique reproductive behaviors and significant cultural importance in the regions where it is found. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Batagur affinis primarily…

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  Amyda cartilaginea (Asiatic Softshell Turtle)

  Amyda cartilaginea, commonly known as the Asiatic softshell turtle, is a distinctive species of turtle known for its leathery, soft shell. It belongs to the family Trionychidae and is notable for its adaptability to various freshwater habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Amyda cartilaginea has a broad, flattened body with a smooth, leathery carapace…