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

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Geoemydidae
• Genus: Cuora
• Species: Cuora amboinensis

Common Names

• Southeast Asian Box Turtle
• Amboina Box Turtle

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Identification

Description: Cuora amboinensis has a high-domed, dark brown to black carapace and a hinged plastron that is yellowish with black markings. Its head is typically dark with yellow stripes running from the snout to the neck.

Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally smaller than females and have a concave plastron, longer tails, and brighter eye coloration.

Check more turtles from the Cuora genus

Cuora zhoui (Zhou’s Box Turtle)

Cuora yunnanensis (Yunnan Box Turtle)

Cuora trifasciata (Chinese three-banded box turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range: This species is found in countries across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

Preferred Habitat

Cuora amboinensis inhabits a variety of freshwater environments, such as slow-moving rivers, swamps, marshes, and flooded forests. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and abundant water sources.

Behavior

Feeding Habits: This omnivorous turtle feeds on a diet of aquatic plants, fruits, insects, mollusks, and small fish.

Predators: Natural predators include large birds, mammals, and humans. Hatchlings and juveniles are particularly vulnerable to predation.

Reproduction

Breeding Season: The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy season, which varies depending on the geographical location.

Reproductive Method: Females lay clutches of 2-4 eggs in shallow nests dug in sandy or soft soil. The incubation period ranges from 70 to 90 days, depending on temperature and humidity.

Conservation

Extinction Status: Cuora amboinensis is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-exploitation.

Threats: Major threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and collection for the pet trade and traditional medicine.

Conservation Measures: Efforts to conserve this species include habitat protection, breeding programs, and stricter regulations on trade.

Economic Importance

Cuora amboinensis is valued in the pet trade and is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures. However, its exploitation for these purposes has contributed to its decline in the wild.

Interesting Facts

• The hinged plastron of Cuora amboinensis allows it to close its shell completely, providing effective protection against predators.
• This species can live up to 50 years in captivity, making it a long-term commitment for pet owners.
• Cuora amboinensis is known for its calm demeanor and adaptability to captivity, which contributes to its popularity as a pet.

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.