Yellow-headed Temple Turtle
Heosemys annandalii
Silhouette: SeismicShrimp · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassTestudines
- FamilyGeoemydidae (Eurasian Pond, River, and Neotropical Wood Turtles)
- GenusHeosemys
- SpeciesHeosemys annandalii (Yellow-headed Temple Turtle)
About the Yellow-headed Temple Turtle
The yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) is a large species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. The species is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The common name, "yellow-headed temple turtle", is derived from the fact that it is often found near Buddhist temples within its range.
The specific name, annandalii, is in honor of Scottish herpetologist Nelson Annandale. H. annandalii may grow to over 20 in (51 cm) in straight carapace length. H. annandalii is aquatic, and is generally herbivorous. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) suspended trade of yellow-headed temple turtles in July 2012.
H. annandalii is found in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Myanmar. The preferred natural habitats of H. annandalii are wet forests and freshwater wetlands. H. annandalii may live in captivity for up to 35 years.
Two turtles were hatched in November 2019 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Heosemys annadali has been breed in captivity. The leech Placobdelloides... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Yellow-headed Temple Turtle in Cat Tien National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Cat Tien National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khao Yai National Park | 🇹🇭 Thailand | |
| 2 | Cat Tien National Park | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | |
| 3 | Kaeng Krachan National Park | 🇹🇭 Thailand |