Heosemys spinosa (Spiny Turtle)

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Home > Turtle Database > Heosemys spinosa (Spiny Turtle)

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiny_turtle

Heosemys spinosa, commonly known as the spiny turtle, is a distinctive species native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Named for the spiky projections along the edges of its shell, this turtle’s unique appearance provides camouflage among the forest floor’s leaf litter. Its secretive nature and declining population have made it a subject of interest among conservationists.

Native To These Regions

Borneo (Malaysia), Brunei, Indonesia, Java (Indonesia), Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sumatra (Indonesia), Thailand

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Geoemydidae
  • Genus: Heosemys
  • Species: H. spinosa

Common Names

  • Spiny Turtle
  • Spiny Terrapin
  • Cog-wheel Turtle

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Identification

Description

The spiny turtle is medium-sized, with adults typically measuring 20–25 cm in carapace length. Its most notable feature is the series of pointed spines or serrations along the edges of its carapace, especially prominent in juveniles. The carapace is generally dark brown to reddish-brown, while the plastron is lighter, often yellowish or tan. The skin is usually brown with lighter spots or streaks.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is subtle in this species. Males tend to have a slightly concave plastron and longer, thicker tails. Females are generally larger with a flat plastron and shorter tails.

Check more turtles from the Heosemys genus

Heosemys grandis (Giant Asian Pond Turtle)

Heosemys depressa (Arakan Forest Turtle)

Heosemys annandalii (yellow-headed temple turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Heosemys spinosa is native to Southeast Asia, specifically:

  • Malaysia: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo
  • Indonesia: Sumatra, Borneo, and surrounding islands
  • Thailand: Southern regions
  • Brunei
  • Philippines: Palawan and nearby islands

Preferred Habitat

The species inhabits humid, tropical rainforests, often near slow-moving streams or marshy areas. It prefers dense leaf litter on the forest floor, which provides both camouflage and foraging opportunities. Elevations range from sea level up to 1,000 meters.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

The spiny turtle is omnivorous:

  • Diet: Fallen fruits, leaves, fungi, insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
  • Foraging: Mostly terrestrial, searching through leaf litter for food.

Predators

Natural predators include:

  • Large birds of prey
  • Monitor lizards
  • Mammals like civets and wild pigs

The spiny projections on their shells help deter some predators.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, which varies but generally spans from October to March.

Reproductive Method

  • Nesting: Females lay 1–3 eggs per clutch, often buried under leaf litter.
  • Incubation: Takes about 100–150 days.
  • Hatchlings: Have more pronounced spines for added protection.

Conservation

Extinction Status

  • IUCN Red List: Endangered

Threats

  • Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture and logging.
  • Illegal Trade: Collected for the pet trade and traditional medicine.
  • Hunting: For meat in some local communities.

Conservation Measures

  • Legal Protection: Listed under CITES Appendix II.
  • Protected Areas: Establishment of reserves and national parks.
  • Captive Breeding: Programs aimed at reintroduction.
  • Community Engagement: Education and alternative livelihood programs.

Economic Importance

While not significant economically, the spiny turtle is:

  • Pet Trade: Has a demand in the exotic pet market, contributing to local incomes but also to overexploitation.
  • Ecotourism: Potential to attract tourists interested in wildlife.

Interesting Facts

  • Juvenile spiny turtles have more pronounced spines, which help them blend into the forest floor and protect against predators.
  • They are considered one of the most terrestrial turtles in Southeast Asia.
  • The spines gradually wear down as the turtle ages, leading to a smoother shell in adults.

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.