Cuora bourreti (Bourret’s Box Turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Cuora bourreti (Bourret’s Box Turtle)
Cuora bourreti, commonly known as Bourret’s Box Turtle, is a small, terrestrial turtle species found in Southeast Asia. Known for its striking coloration and unique shell patterns, this turtle is a rare and protected species due to its declining population in the wild.
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Cuora
Species: C. bourreti
Common Names
- Bourret’s Box Turtle
- Central Vietnamese flowerback box turtle
- Indochinese box turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description:
Bourret’s Box Turtle is characterized by a high-domed, dark brown to black carapace with bright yellow streaks. The plastron is typically yellow with dark blotches, and the skin is dark with yellow markings on the head and limbs.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males usually have a more concave plastron and longer tails compared to females. Females tend to have a flatter plastron and shorter tails.
Check more turtles from the Cuora genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range:
Cuora bourreti is native to central Vietnam and possibly adjacent areas of Laos. Its distribution is limited to these regions, making it an endemic species.
Preferred Habitat
Bourret’s Box Turtle prefers dense, humid forests, often near streams and rivers. It thrives in moist, lowland areas with plenty of vegetation and cover.
Behavior
Feeding Habits:
This species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, leaves, invertebrates, and small vertebrates.
Predators:
Predators of Bourret’s Box Turtle include larger mammals, birds of prey, and humans, primarily due to habitat destruction and illegal collection.
Reproduction
Breeding Season:
The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy months, from May to September.
Reproductive Method:
Females lay clutches of 1-3 eggs in moist, sandy soil. The eggs incubate for about 90-120 days before hatching.
Conservation
Extinction Status:
Bourret’s Box Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Threats:
Major threats include habitat destruction, illegal pet trade, and hunting for traditional medicine.
Conservation Measures:
Efforts include habitat protection, legal enforcement against illegal trade, and breeding programs in captivity to boost population numbers.
Economic Importance
Bourret’s Box Turtle has limited economic importance but is highly valued in the illegal pet trade and traditional medicine markets, which contributes to its decline.
Interesting Facts
- Bourret’s Box Turtle is named after French herpetologist René Léon Bourret.
- It has a hinged plastron that allows it to close its shell tightly, providing protection against predators.
- This species is known for its elusive and shy nature, making it difficult to study in the wild.
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.
