Cuora mccordi (McCord’s Box Turtle)

Conservation Status:
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Credit: Wikipedia

Cuora mccordi, also known as McCord’s box turtle, is a rare and critically endangered species of box turtle. Found primarily in a small region of China, it is known for its distinctive yellow and black markings.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Genus: Cuora
  • Species: C. mccordi

Common Names

  • McCord’s Box Turtle

Identification

Description

Cuora mccordi has a distinctive bright yellow head with black markings, a high-domed shell that is brown with yellowish lines, and a plastron that is predominantly black with some yellowish areas. Adults typically reach about 14-16 cm in length.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males generally have a longer and thicker tail compared to females. Additionally, the plastron of males is concave, while that of females is flat.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Cuora mccordi is native to a very restricted area in Guangxi Province, China.

Preferred Habitat

This species prefers forested areas with abundant leaf litter and access to shallow streams or water bodies.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Cuora mccordi is omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, insects, and small invertebrates.

Predators

Natural predators include birds of prey, larger mammals, and humans due to poaching.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs in the spring and early summer.

Reproductive Method

Females lay a small clutch of eggs, usually 1-3, which incubate for about 70-90 days before hatching.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Cuora mccordi is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Threats

The primary threats to this species are habitat loss and illegal collection for the pet trade and traditional medicine.

Conservation Measures

Conservation measures include habitat protection, captive breeding programs, and legal protection against trade.

Economic Importance

Cuora mccordi has significant value in the pet trade and traditional medicine, although this has contributed to its decline in the wild.

Interesting Facts

  • Cuora mccordi was only scientifically described in 1988, making it a relatively recent discovery in herpetology.
  • The species’ striking coloration and rarity make it highly sought after by collectors, exacerbating its endangered status.

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.