Impressed tortoise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Impressed tortoise |
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| A mounted specimen of Manouria impressa | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Manouria
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| Species: |
impressa
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The impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa) occurs in mountainous forest areas in Southeast Asia, mainly in Myanmar Burma, southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Northeast India. The species has a golden brown shell and skin. Adults are much smaller than their relatives the Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys), with a maximum carapace length of 35 cm (14 in).
The impressed tortoise lives at high elevations, up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Its behavior is little known due to the small known population; diet in the wild may consist largely of mushrooms, although bamboo shoots are also eaten. The species is known for being difficult to keep alive in captivity because not much is known about it; although its status in the wild is uncertain, it is eaten widely by local people and little captive breeding has occurred. Humans use impressed tortoises for cell, trading, pets, and food; but some places like Thailand have established a wildlife conservation law to protect them.
See also
