| Big-headed Turtle | ||||||||||||||||
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| Platysternon megacephalum Gray, 1831 |
The Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the subfamily Platysterninae. Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in the now-defunct "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.
It is found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition to a very large head, the big headed turtle is known to readily climb trees near rivers and fast streams. Kirkpatrick (1995) also mentions that Playsternon uses its beak to climb. He also mentions when swimming, this species often arcs its tail in the manner of a scorpion. The big headed turtle cannot pull its head in its shell. That being the case, Playsternon will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws to defend itself. It is a fish and snail eater. It is readily consumed in Asia and is frequently a market item. (World Chelonian Trust). As such, it is rapidly disappearing in the wild.
Source
- Asian Turtle Trade Working Group 2000. Platysternon megacephalum. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 July 2007.
- Kirkpatrick, David T. 1995. Platysternon megacephalum. Reptile & Amphibian Magazine, November/December 1995, pages 40 - 47. C/R.
- Pritchard, D. 1979. Encyclopedia of Turtles. New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Ltd..
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