Staurotypus triporcatus

(Weigmann, 1828)

Vernacular names

English : Narrow-bridged musk turtle
French : Tortue musquée

Classification

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

Identification

One of the biggest musk turtle species, with adults reaching a shell length of 36 cm. Males are much smaller than females. Three parallel ridges running on back. Coloration is olive to brown, yellowish on belly with clear spotting on neck.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in Central America, from Southern Mexico (Chiapas to Yucatan), south to Honduras. Lives in freshwater marshes, sluggish rivers and ponds.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a fairly small range and can be vulnerable to pollution and loss of habitat. Not often caught for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation