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Asian leaf turtle facts for kids

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Asian leaf turtle
Cycle denta 100207-0641 ipb.jpg
Conservation status
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification
Genus:
Cyclemys
Species:
dentata
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.

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