Heosemys depressa (Arakan Forest Turtle)

The Arakan forest turtle (Heosemys depressa) is a critically endangered species native to the dense forests of Myanmar. Once thought to be extinct, it was rediscovered in the wild in 1994, bringing attention to its precarious existence and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Geoemydidae
• Genus: Heosemys
• Species: Heosemys depressa

Common Names

• Arakan Forest Turtle
• Myanmar Brown Turtle

Identification

Description

The Arakan forest turtle has a broad, flattened carapace that is brown to dark brown in color. Its shell is relatively smooth with a slight keel running down the center. The plastron (underside of the shell) is lighter, often yellowish-brown. The head is large with a somewhat pointed snout and features a hooked upper jaw. Skin coloration ranges from gray to brown, complementing its shell for camouflage in forest environments.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males typically have a longer and thicker tail compared to females. Additionally, the vent (cloacal opening) in males is located further from the base of the tail, which is a common trait in many turtle species.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Heosemys depressa is endemic to the Arakan Mountains in western Myanmar. Its range is extremely limited, confined to this specific region’s subtropical and tropical forests.

Preferred Habitat

This species inhabits moist, evergreen forests and is often found near streams and rivers. It prefers dense underbrush and leaf litter, which provide both food sources and protection from predators.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

The Arakan forest turtle is omnivorous. Its diet includes a variety of plant matter such as fruits, leaves, and fungi, as well as animal matter like insects, worms, and other small invertebrates.

Predators

Natural predators are not well-documented but likely include larger mammals and birds of prey native to Myanmar’s forests. Human activities pose the most significant threat through hunting and habitat destruction.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Specific details about the breeding season are scarce due to the species’ elusive nature. However, it is believed that mating occurs during the rainy season when conditions are favorable.

Reproductive Method

Females lay small clutches of eggs, typically ranging from 2 to 4. The eggs are buried in moist soil, and the incubation period remains largely unknown.

Conservation

Extinction Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

Threats

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture and logging reduces available habitat.
• Hunting: Collected for local consumption and the illegal pet trade.
• Low Reproductive Rate: Small clutch sizes make population recovery slow.

Conservation Measures

• Legal Protection: Listed under Myanmar’s wildlife protection laws.
• CITES Listing: Included in Appendix II, regulating international trade.
• Breeding Programs: Initiatives to breed the species in captivity are underway to bolster population numbers.

Economic Importance

While not economically significant on a large scale, the Arakan forest turtle is sometimes hunted for local food markets and sold in the illegal pet trade, which can provide income for local communities but contributes to the species’ decline.

Interesting Facts

• The species was thought to be extinct for over 90 years until its rediscovery in 1994.
• Due to its rarity, there is limited scientific knowledge about its ecology and behavior, making conservation efforts more challenging.
• The Arakan forest turtle’s ability to remain undetected for so long highlights the rich biodiversity yet to be fully explored in Myanmar’s forests.