Zhou's box turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zhou's box turtle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cuora
|
| Species: |
zhoui
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Zhou's box turtle (Cuora zhoui) is a special type of turtle. It belongs to a group of turtles called Geoemydidae. This turtle is thought to live only in China. This means it is endemic to that country.
About the Zhou's Box Turtle
This turtle is named zhoui to honor a Chinese scientist. His name was Zhou Jiufa. He studied reptiles, like turtles and snakes.
Where Zhou's Box Turtles Live
It is very hard to find Zhou's box turtles in the wild. Scientists have mostly seen them in Chinese food markets. They are also found in special programs that help animals. These programs are in China, Germany, and the United States.
In December 2018, about 140 of these turtles were living in these programs. About 80 of them were born at the Münster Zoo in Germany. Scientists think these turtles might live in the forests of southeastern Yunnan or western Guangxi in China. But no one has ever seen them in their natural home.
Protecting Zhou's Box Turtles
Zhou's box turtles are in big trouble. People collect too many of them. They are used for food, medicine, and as pets. This has made their numbers drop a lot.
As of 2012, this turtle is considered critically endangered. This means it is very close to disappearing forever. Many people are working hard to save them.
