Cuora picturata (Southern Vietnamese box turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

Home > Turtle Database > Cuora picturata (Southern Vietnamese box turtle)

Credit: http://www.turtle-sanctuary.org/en/concerned-species/cuora-picturata/

Cuora picturata, commonly known as the Vietnamese Leaf Turtle, is a rare and beautifully marked turtle species native to Vietnam. Known for its vibrant and intricate shell patterns, this species is highly sought after by turtle enthusiasts and conservationists alike due to its declining population in the wild.

Native To These Regions

Khanh Hoa (Vietnam), Phu Yen (Vietnam)

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

  • Southern Vietnamese box turtle

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Identification

Description:
Cuora picturata is a small to medium-sized turtle species with a carapace length of up to 18 cm. The carapace is oval-shaped, domed, and features distinct yellow or orange radiating patterns on each scute. The plastron is mostly yellow with black blotches. The skin is olive to dark brown, with the head and limbs often showing lighter shades or yellowish markings.

Sexual Dimorphism:
Males typically have a more concave plastron and longer, thicker tails compared to females. The coloration of males may also be slightly more vibrant, but these differences can be subtle.

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:
Cuora picturata is endemic to southern Vietnam, with populations primarily found in the lowland forests of the region.

Preferred Habitat

This species prefers subtropical and tropical lowland forests with dense vegetation. It is often found in humid environments near water sources such as streams, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.

Behavior

Feeding Habits:
Cuora picturata is omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes a variety of fruits, leaves, insects, and small invertebrates. They are known to forage both on land and in shallow water.

Predators:
Natural predators include birds of prey, large reptiles, and occasionally mammals. However, their vibrant shell patterns and ability to retract into their shells offer some protection against predation.

Reproduction

Breeding Season:
The breeding season for Cuora picturata typically occurs during the early rainy season, from May to July.

Reproductive Method:
Females lay 1-3 eggs per clutch in a carefully selected, concealed nest. The incubation period lasts about 90-110 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Conservation

Extinction Status:
Cuora picturata is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Threats:
The primary threats to this species include habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and collection for the pet trade. Their limited distribution also makes them highly vulnerable to population declines.

Conservation Measures:
Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and captive breeding programs aimed at boosting the population and potentially reintroducing individuals into the wild.

Economic Importance

While Cuora picturata has no significant economic importance in terms of agriculture or industry, it is highly valued in the illegal pet trade due to its rarity and striking appearance, which has unfortunately contributed to its decline.

Interesting Facts

  • Cuora picturata is one of the rarest species within its genus, making it highly sought after by turtle collectors.
  • This species can live up to 30 years in captivity under proper care, making it a long-term commitment for turtle enthusiasts.
  • The intricate patterns on their shells are unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint in humans.

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.