It’s #TaxaTuesday! Continuing with the third Genus in Family Geoemydidae, Cuora (Asian Box Turtles), which contain 12 species.
Previously, pond and box turtles are categorized under Family Emydidae; however, several species of the box turtles were reclassified into Family Geoemydidae after revised. Box turtles are unique as they are able to hide their entire body into their hinged plastron (bottom and top shell can close tightly like a “box”, named Box Turtle).
The only species of Cuora that can be found in Malaysia is C. amboinensis, Southeast Asian Box Turtle. This species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the IUCN Red List.
Southeast Asian Box turtle is distinguishable with yellow stripes along each side of the head. The colour of its head is dark olive/black on top and yellow below.
There are more #TaxaTuesday, come back next week to learn more!