Leucocephalon yuwonoi (Sulawesi Forest Turtle)

Conservation Status:
Genus:

Home > Turtle Database > Leucocephalon yuwonoi (Sulawesi Forest Turtle)

Credit: https://turtlesurvival.org

Leucocephalon yuwonoi, known for its unique head coloring, is a freshwater turtle found in Sulawesi. It is not large but stands out due to its distinctive appearance and reclusive nature.

Native To These Regions

Sulawesi (Indonesia)

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Leucocephalon
Species: Leucocephalon yuwonoi

Common Names

Sulawesi forest turtle

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Identification

  • Description: Adults have a dark brown shell and a pale head. They are medium-sized, often reaching around 20 centimeters in length.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Females usually have flatter shells, while males have concave plastrons. Males may have slightly longer tails.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range: They live on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, mainly in lowland forest areas.

Preferred Habitat

They prefer forested streams and small rivers with plenty of shade. They seek places with soft substrate for burrowing.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: They eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, small invertebrates, and leafy greens. They feed both in and around the water.
  • Predators: Their eggs and juveniles can be preyed upon by wild boar, snakes, and large birds.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: The warmer months bring about increased mating activity. Females lay their eggs in hidden spots near water.
  • Reproductive Method: They are oviparous, producing a small clutch of eggs.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: They are considered critically endangered.
  • Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade are the main threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Breeding programs, protection of their habitat, and strict regulations on trade are needed.

Economic Importance

They have been collected for food and the pet trade. This demand has increased their risk of population decline.

Interesting Facts

Their pale head markings make them easy to recognize. They are shy and often hide under leaf litter or rocks.

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.