Common Black-breasted Leaf Turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) Family: Pond Turtles (Geoemydidae) Order: Turtles (Testudines)

Other names:  Black-breasted Hill Turtle. Size:  12-13 cm. Distribution:  Southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hunan) and Vietnam. Habitat:  Temperate forests at medium altitudes. Terrestrial, occasionally entering streams. Food:  Worms, small insects and other arthropods. Reproduction:  1 brittle-shelled egg, measuring 18 X 42-45 mm, is laid per clutch. 3 clutches are produced a year. The incubation period is 66-73 days, and the hatchlings measure 30-42 mm. Activity and behaviour:  Crepuscular. Status:  Considered to be Endangered based on levels of trade and scarcity. Listed on CITES Appendix III (China). References: Asian Turtle Trade Working Group. 2000. Geoemyda spengleri. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.1. www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39552/0 (viewed on 24 July 2011). Das, I. 2010. A field guide to the reptiles of South-East Asia. Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali. New Holland Publishers, London, Cape Town, etc. 376 pp. Vetter, H.; van Dijk, P.P. 2006. Turtles of the world. Vol. 4. East and South Asia. Edition Chimaira & Aqualog Verlag ACS, Frankfurt am Main & Rodgau. 160 pp. Text & layout: Rune Midtgaard

Gallery Home The Black-breasted Leaf Turtle is an endangered, small turtle species from Southeast Asia. © Rune Midtgaard.