Chitra vandijki (Van Dijk’s Softshell Turtle)

Conservation Status:
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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.

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Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Trionychidae
  • Genus: Chitra
  • Species: Chitra vandijki

Common Names

  • Van Dijk’s Softshell Turtle
  • Burmese narrow-headed softshell turtle
  • Myanmar narrow-headed softshell turtle

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Identification

  • Description: This species exhibits a light brown to gray carapace that is highly flattened. The elongated, narrow head and pointed snout are characteristic features.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically have thicker and longer tails than females and are generally smaller in overall size.

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Chitra vandijki is native to Myanmar, primarily found in the Irrawaddy River and its tributaries.

Preferred Habitat

This turtle prefers large freshwater rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms where it can easily burrow for camouflage.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: It is carnivorous, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
  • Predators: Main predators include larger fish, birds, and humans (through poaching).

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: The breeding season occurs during the rainy months from May to August.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay eggs in sandy banks along rivers; these are buried deep to protect them from predators and environmental extremes.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Critically Endangered
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal poaching for the pet trade are significant threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Protected under local laws and CITES Appendix II, with several conservation programs focusing on habitat preservation and anti-poaching efforts.

Economic Importance

The species has minimal direct economic importance due to its rarity and protected status, although it contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat.

Interesting Facts

  • Chitra vandijki can reach up to 1 meter in length, making it one of the largest softshell turtles.
  • It has a very low reproductive rate, which contributes to its vulnerability to extinction.

Research Studies

For further detailed studies, you can refer to this research paper: Complete mitochondrial genome and the phylogenetic position of the Burmese narrow-headed softshell turtle Chitra vandijki (Testudines: Trionychidae)

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.