Vijayachelys silvatica (Cochin Forest Cane Turtle)
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Vijayachelys silvatica, known as the Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, is a shy, forest-dwelling turtle found only in a small part of India. It’s one of the rarest turtles in the world, living a mostly hidden life among leaf litter and dense undergrowth.
Native To These Regions
Kerala (India)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Geoemydidae
Genus: Vijayachelys
Species: V. silvatica
Common Names
Cochin Forest Cane Turtle
Forest Cane Turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a domed, elongated shell with a brown to dark olive color. The shell often has yellow streaks or blotches. Its head is small, with a pointed snout and a yellow stripe running behind the eye.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller than females. Males have a longer, thicker tail, while females have a broader body shape to hold eggs.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is found only in the Western Ghats of India, mainly in Kerala. Its range is extremely limited and scattered.
Preferred Habitat
This turtle lives in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It prefers moist forest floors covered with fallen leaves, near small streams or cane thickets.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is mostly omnivorous. It eats fallen fruits, fungi, insects, and small invertebrates.
Predators
Snakes, wild boars, and birds of prey may hunt them. Habitat loss also exposes them to more predators.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
The breeding season is believed to start with the monsoon, but exact timing is not well documented.
Reproductive Method
They lay eggs on land, in hidden spots among forest debris. The number of eggs per clutch is small.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List)
Threats
Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, road development, and collection for the illegal pet trade.
Conservation Measures
Protected under Indian wildlife laws. Some areas of its habitat are inside wildlife sanctuaries. Awareness programs and habitat protection are ongoing.
Economic Importance
It has no direct economic value. Its rarity and unique appearance make it a target in the illegal pet trade, which harms its survival.
Interesting Facts
This species was once thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1982.
It is the only species in its genus, 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.
