Platysternon megacephalum (Big-headed Turtle)
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Platysternon megacephalum, also known as the Big-headed Turtle, is a rare and ancient-looking species with a distinctively large head that it cannot retract into its shell. It’s known for its powerful jaws and its unique climbing ability, which is unusual among turtles.
Native To These Regions
Guangxi (China), Guizhou (China), Hainan (China), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Yunnan (China)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Platysternidae
Genus: Platysternon
Species: Platysternon megacephalum
Common Names
Big-headed Turtle
Large-headed Turtle
Dragonturtle (in some local dialects)
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Identification
Description
The turtle has a flattened, brown to gray carapace and a tail nearly as long as its body. Its most striking feature is its oversized head, armed with strong, beak-like jaws. Its plastron is pale yellow and its limbs are rough and clawed for gripping.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males tend to have longer, thicker tails and slightly more concave plastrons than females.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is native to Southeast Asia, found in southern China, northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Preferred Habitat
This species lives in cool, fast-flowing mountain streams with rocky beds. It prefers clear, oxygen-rich water and often hides under rocks or logs.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
The Big-headed Turtle is carnivorous and mainly nocturnal. It feeds on insects, small fish, snails, and crustaceans.
Predators
Natural predators include larger carnivores like snakes and birds. Humans are a major threat due to hunting.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs in the warmer months, mainly from May to August.
Reproductive Method
It is oviparous. Females lay a small number of eggs (typically 1–6) in shallow nests near water.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
Threats
Illegal pet trade, habitat destruction, and overharvesting for traditional medicine.
Conservation Measures
Several protected areas have been established, and international trade is restricted under CITES Appendix I. Captive breeding programs are also being developed.
Economic Importance
Its strong jaws and fierce appearance have made it a target for the exotic pet trade. It is also hunted for use in traditional medicine in parts of Asia.
Interesting Facts
This turtle can climb waterfalls and rocky stream banks using its strong claws and tail.
Its head is so large it cannot pull it into its shell for protection.
It’s the only member of its family, making it evolutionarily unique.
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.
