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
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN2.3)
Photos
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Range Map
- 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
- Omkoi District, Chiang Mai
- Pha Daeng National Park
- Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park
- 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