Nilssonia formosa (Burmese peacock softshell turtle)

Conservation Status:
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Home > Turtle Database > Nilssonia formosa (Burmese peacock softshell turtle)

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

Nilssonia formosa, commonly known as the Burmese peacock softshell turtle, is a rare freshwater species found in Southeast Asia. It is known for its striking appearance, featuring a pattern of eye-like spots on its carapace, resembling the feathers of a peacock.

Native To These Regions

Myanmar

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Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Trionychidae
Genus: Nilssonia
Species: Nilssonia formosa

Common Names

Burmese peacock softshell turtle

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Identification

Description

This species has a flattened, leathery carapace with a brownish-green coloration. Its most distinctive feature is the series of circular, eye-like markings on the shell, resembling peacock feather patterns. The head is elongated with a tubular snout, allowing it to breathe while mostly submerged.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females grow significantly larger than males, reaching over 60 cm in shell length, while males remain smaller. Males often have longer, thicker tails compared to females.

Check more turtles from the Nilssonia genus

Nilssonia nigricans (Black Softshell Turtle)

Nilssonia leithii (Leith’s Softshell Turtle)

Nilssonia hurum (Indian peacock softshell turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Nilssonia formosa is native to Myanmar, primarily inhabiting freshwater rivers and lakes. Its exact distribution is poorly studied due to its elusive nature and declining population.

Preferred Habitat

This turtle prefers slow-moving or still freshwater bodies, such as large rivers, oxbow lakes, and floodplain areas. It is commonly found in areas with soft, sandy or muddy substrates, where it buries itself for camouflage.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

It is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. Occasionally, it may consume plant matter, but its diet is predominantly animal-based.

Predators

Juveniles are vulnerable to predation by birds, large fish, and other reptiles. Adults face fewer natural predators but are heavily hunted by humans for meat and traditional medicine.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the dry season when water levels are lower, providing suitable nesting conditions.

Reproductive Method

Females lay eggs in sandy riverbanks, depositing clutches of up to 30 eggs. Hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of 60–90 days, depending on temperature conditions.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Nilssonia formosa is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.

Threats

Major threats include habitat loss from dam construction, sand mining, and water pollution. Overharvesting for the illegal pet trade and traditional medicine further endangers the species.

Conservation Measures

Efforts to protect this species include habitat conservation, breeding programs, and legal protection in Myanmar. Conservationists are working to raise awareness and enforce stricter trade regulations.

Economic Importance

This species has been historically hunted for its meat and used in traditional medicine. It is also sometimes sold in the illegal wildlife trade, making it a target for poaching despite legal protections.

Interesting Facts

  • The peacock-like spots on its shell provide natural camouflage in murky waters.
  • Unlike many other softshell turtles, it is rarely seen basking, spending most of its time buried in sediment.
  • Due to its rarity, very little is known about its wild population, making conservation efforts challenging.

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.