Asian leaf turtle

This article is about the species. For the genus collectively known as 'Asian leaf turtles', see Cyclemys.

Asian leaf turtle
File:Cycle denta 100207-0641 ipb.jpg
Conservation status
Near Threatened Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)
CITES Appendix II
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Testudines
Suborder:	Cryptodira
Family:	Geoemydidae
Genus:	Cyclemys
Species:	C. dentata
Binomial name
Cyclemys dentata (Gray, 1831)
File:Cyclemys dentata distribution map.png
Cyclemys dentata range map
Synonyms
Emys hasseltii Boie, 1826 (nomen nudum) Emys dhor Gray, 1831 Emys hasselti Boie, 1831 (ex errore) Cyclemys orbiculata Bell, 1834 Cistudo diardii Duméril & Bibron, 1835 Clemmys (Clemmys) hasseltii Boie, 1835 Cistudo (Cyclemys) dentata Gray, 1844 Emys diardii Schlegel, 1849 Cyclemys dentata Gray, 1856 Cyclemys bellii Gray, 1863 Cyclemys ovata Gray, 1863 Cistudo orbiculata Giebel, 1866 Cyclemys dhor Gray, 1870 Cistudo diardi Smith, 1931 (ex errore) Cyclemys belli Smith, 1931 (ex errore) Cyclemis dentata Goode, 1967 Cyclemys ovala Taylor, 1970 (ex errore) Cyclemys dentata dentata Bonin, Devaux & Dupré, 1996 Cyclemys dentate Zhou, 2006 (ex errore)

The Asian leaf turtle (Cyclemys dentata) is a species of turtle found in Southeast Asia. They are quite common in the pet trade; their carapaces resemble that of a Cuora amboinensis hybrid.

Feeding

This species is omnivorous and feeds on vegetation and fruits, as well as mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. It is also known to be a scavenger and very often seen to take carrion.

Behavior

The Asian leaf turtle is quite elusive and sighting is uncommon. It is not strong swimmer preferring instead to walk on the bottom of a body of water rather than swimming freely. According to Das, the adult spends its nights on land and moves to water during the day. It will squirt its digestive system contents when it feels threatened.

Size

Asian leaf turtles can grow 6 to 9.5 inches (15 to 24 cm) long and 4.5 to 6.5 inches in width.

Distribution

The turtle can be found in North India, North-east India (Manipur), Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, West Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Bali), Philippines (Palawan: Calamian Islands etc.), and China.

This species is found up to 1,200 m of elevation, but the depth range is unknown.

References

• Gray, J.E. 1857 Notice of some Indian tortoises (including the description of a new species presented to the British Museum by Professor Oldham). Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (2) 19: 342-344
• Gray, J.E. 1864 Observations on the box tortoises, with the description of three new Asiatic species. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3) 13: 105-111
• Gray, J.E. 1873 On the original form, development, and cohesion of the bones of the sternum of chelonians; with notes on the skeleton of Sphargis. Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (4) 11: 161-172

External links

• Cyclemys dentata at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
• Asian Leaf Turtles