Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Big-headed turtle

Platysternon megacephalum, John Edward Gray, 1831

(In Thai: เต่าปูลู, dtao pulu)

The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae from the Southeast Asia and Southern China.

Background

Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in "Kinosternoidea", it was later moved to the Emydidae. With the Geoemydidae being split off from these, it seems wisest to reinstate, at least for the time being, the Platysternidae. This, as well as the subfamily and the genus Platysternon, are monotypic.

Distribution

It is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Behaviour

The big-headed turtle is known to readily climb over obstacles in and around rivers and fast streams, using its tail as a prop to extend the reach of its strong claws; it also uses its beak to assist in climbing. It has been reported to climb trees and bushes. It is not a strong swimmer, and when swimming, this species occasionally arches its tail in the manner of a scorpion. The big-headed turtle cannot pull its head in its shell. That being the case, it will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws to defend itself. It is a fish and snail eater.

Exploitation

The big-headed turtle is readily consumed in Asia and is frequently a market item. Hunters capture them on lines with baited straight pins, so this species is rapidly disappearing in the wild.

Subspecies

  • P. m. megacephalum, China, 1831
  • P. m. peguense, Myanmar and Thailand, 1870
  • P. m. shiui, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, 1987

In addition, two other subspecies P. m. tristernalis (1984) and P. m. vogeli (1969) have been given, but may be invalid.

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Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Platysternidae
Genus
Platysternon
Species
Platysternon megacephalum

Common names

  • German: Grosskopfschildkröte
  • English:
    • Big-headed turtle
    • Burmese big-headed turtle
    • Vietnamese big-headed turtle
  • Thai: เต่าปูลู, dtao pulu

Subspecies

  • Platysternon megacephalum megacephalum, John Edward Gray, 1831

    Range: China

  • Platysternon megacephalum peguense, John Edward Gray, 1870

    Range: Myanmar and Thailand

  • Platysternon megacephalum shiui, Carl Henry Ernst & William Patrick McCord, 1987

    Range: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

Synonyms

  • Platysternon megacephalum, Turtle Taxonomy Working Group (TTWG) (2014)
  • Platysternon megacephalum shiui, Anders Gunnar Johannes Rhodin et al. (2010)
  • Platysternon megacephalum peguense, Anders Gunnar Johannes Rhodin et al. (2010)
  • Platysternon megacephalum megacephalum, Anders Gunnar Johannes Rhodin et al. (2010)
  • Platysternon megacephalum, Thomas Ziegler (2002)
  • Platysternon megacephalum peguense, Tanya Chan-Ard et al. (1999)
  • Platysternon megacephalum, Merel J. Cox et al. (1998)
  • Platysternon megacephalum peguensis, R. C. Sharma (1998)
  • Platysternon megacephalum tristornalis, David Alderton (1988)
  • Platysternon megacephalum shiui, Peter Charles Howard Pritchard & William Patrick McCord (1987)

Conservation status

Endangered (IUCN2.3)

Endangered (IUCN2.3)

Photos

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Big-headed turtle
Platysternon megalocephalum

Range Map

Distribution map of Big-headed turtle, Platysternon megacephalum in Thailand
  • Chae Son National Park
  • Doi Ang Khang
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Doi Luang National Park
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
  • Doi Phu Kha National Park
  • Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
  • Doi Wiang Pha National Park
  • Khlong Tron National Park
  • Khun Nan National Park
  • Khun Yuam District, Mae Hong Son
  • Lam Nam Nan National Park
  • Lan Sang National Park
  • Mae Lao-Mae Sae Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Nam Nao National Park
  • Namtok Mae Surin National Park
  • Nanthaburi National Park
  • Omkoi District, Chiang Mai
  • Pha Daeng National Park
  • Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
  • Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Kradueng National Park
  • Phu Ruea National Park
  • Phu Sang National Park
  • Phu Suan Sai National Park
  • Si Lanna National Park
  • Si Satchanalai National Park
  • Tat Mok National Park
  • Tham Sakoen National Park
  • Thong Pha Phum National Park
  • Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
  • Wiang Kosai National Park
Range map of Platysternon megacephalum in Thailand