Big-headed turtle
| Big-headed turtle | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Platysternidae Gray, 1869[2] |
| Genus: | Platysternon Gray, 1831[2] |
| Species: | P. megacephalum |
| Binomial name | |
| Platysternon megacephalum Gray, 1831[2] |
|
The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae.[2]
Contents |
[edit] Background
Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in "Kinosternoidea", it was later moved to the Emydidae.[citation needed] With the Geoemydidae being split off from these, it seems wisest to reinstate, at least for the time being, the Platysternidae.[citation needed] This, as well as the subfamily and the genus Platysternon, are monotypic.[citation needed]
[edit] Distribution
It is found in China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.[2]
[edit] Behaviour
In addition to a very large head, the big headed turtle is known to readily climb trees near rivers and fast streams. Kirkpatrick (1995) also mentions that Platysternon uses its beak to climb. He also mentions when swimming, this species often arcs its tail in the manner of a scorpion. The big headed turtle cannot pull its head in its shell. That being the case, Platysternon will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws to defend itself. It is a fish and snail eater.
The big-headed turtle is readily consumed in Asia and is frequently a market item. Hunters capture them on lines with baited straight pins. As such, this species is rapidly disappearing in the wild.[3]
[edit] Subspecies
- Platysternon megacephalum megacephalum, China, 1831[2]
- Platysternon megacephalum peguense, Myanmar and Thailand, 1870[2]
- Platysternon megacephalum shiui, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, 1987[2]
In addition two other subspecies Platysternon megacephalum tristernalis(1984) and Platysternon megacephalum vogeli'(1969) have been given but may be invalid.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ Asian Turtle Trade Working Group 2000. Platysternon megacephalum. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 July 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Rhodin 2010, pp. 000.107
- ^ James E. Barzyk Turtles in Crisis: The Asian Food Markets. The article itself is not dated, but mostly refers to data in the range 1995-2000.
- ^ Platysternon megacephalum
- Kirkpatrick, David T. 1995. Platysternon megacephalum. Reptile & Amphibian Magazine, November/December 1995, pages 40 – 47. C/R.
- Pritchard, D. 1979. Encyclopedia of Turtles. New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Ltd.
- Bibliography
- Rhodin, Anders G.J.; Paul van Dijk, Peter; Inverson, John B.; Shaffer, H. Bradley (2010-12-14). "Turtles of the World 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution and Conservation Status" (pdf). Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. http://www.webcitation.org/5uzfktoIh. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
- Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007-10-31). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World" (pdf). Archived from the original on 2010-12-29. http://www.webcitation.org/5vKyEUcP0. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
[edit] External links
- Big-Headed Turtle (Platysternidae
- (Chinese) Bigheaded
- (Spanish) Platysternon megacephalum
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
