Orlitia borneensis

(Gray, 1873)

Vernacular names

English : Malaysian giant turtle
French : Tortue géante de Bornéo

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Geoemydidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

One of the biggest Asian turtle species, reaching up to 80 cm in carapace length. Laterally compressed oval shell with a slight ridge on back. Shell color is dark brown to nearly black. Very large head, grey with dirty yellow sides.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in South-east Asia, from southern mainland Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo. Lives in cloud forests, Montane forests and Pine-Oak forests from 1000 to 3000 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is highly endangered because of overexploitation throughout its range as food, Chinese medicine item and for international trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation