Indochinese box turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indochinese box turtle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Northern Vietnamese box turtle Cuora galbinifrons galbinifrons |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cuora
|
| Species: |
galbinifrons
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Indochinese box turtle, also known as the Vietnamese box turtle or flowerback box turtle (Cuora galbinifrons), is a special type of Asian box turtle. You can find these turtles in parts of China (Hainan and Guangxi), northern and central Vietnam, Laos, and maybe even northeastern Cambodia. They like to live in high-up woodlands, often hiding in thick plants.
Scientists sometimes have different ideas about how to classify this turtle. This is because there are several types, or "subspecies," that look a bit different. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says this turtle is "critically endangered." This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Contents
Understanding Indochinese Box Turtle Types
Scientists use a system called taxonomy to group living things. For the Indochinese box turtle, it can be a bit confusing! There are a few main types, or subspecies, that look slightly different and live in different areas.
The Northern Vietnamese Box Turtle
The northern Vietnamese box turtle (C. g. galbinifrons) was first described in 1939. It took a long time for these turtles to be brought to other parts of the world. This type lives in southern Guangxi Province in China, northern Vietnam, and likely northern Laos. It is also found on Hainan Island, China.
Turtles from Hainan Island were once thought to be a separate species or subspecies. Some of them have lighter parts on their bellies, unlike the mainland turtles which usually have completely black bellies. Their shells can also have more red colors and brown spots. However, studies of their genes and bodies now suggest that the Hainan turtles are the same subspecies as the northern Vietnamese ones.
The Central Vietnamese Flowerback Box Turtle
The central Vietnamese flowerback box turtle (Cuora (galbinifrons) bourreti) lives in central Vietnam and nearby Laos. It might also be found in northeastern Cambodia. The biggest difference for this type is its belly pattern. It usually has only small black spots, or sometimes no spots at all.
Scientists have debated if this turtle is a separate species or just a subspecies. Some studies of its genes show it is quite different. However, other studies looking at its bones suggest it is still a subspecies of C. galbinifrons. Also, in some areas of north-central Vietnam, these turtles mix and have babies with the northern Vietnamese type. This shows they are closely related.
The Cuora picturata Turtle
Another type, Cuora picturata, was also once considered a subspecies of C. galbinifrons. This turtle looks very different from the others. Some scientists now treat it as its own separate species, while others still see it as a subspecies. The way these different types can interbreed makes it tricky for scientists to agree on their exact classification.
Why These Turtles Need Our Help
All groups of Indochinese box turtles are facing serious problems. Their numbers are going down quickly. This situation is even more urgent because there are different types of these turtles, and each one needs protection.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially listed the Indochinese box turtle as "critically endangered." This means they are very close to extinction in the wild. Protecting their homes and stopping illegal hunting are very important steps to help these amazing turtles survive.
Images for kids
-
C. g. galbinifrons, dorsal view (Hainan)
-
C. g. galbinifrons, plastral view (Vietnam)
-
C. g. bourreti, lateral view, light-colored variety (Cambodia/Laos)
-
C. g. bourreti, plastral view of the dark-colored Vietnamese variety
-
C. g. bourreti, lateral view of the dark-colored Vietnamese variety
