The Southeast Asian Box Turtle, also known as the Malayan Box Turtle, is a species of turtle found in Southeast Asia, including India. In this article, we will discuss the general features, habitat, food habits, breeding, conservation status, and where one can see them in India.
General features
The Southeast Asian Box Turtle is a medium-sized turtle, with males measuring around 15-20 cm in length and females around 20-25 cm. They have a distinctive box-shaped carapace (upper shell) with a brownish-olive coloration and yellow stripes or spots. The plastron (lower shell) is usually yellowish or brownish with dark blotches. They are relatively heavy-bodied, with males weighing around 500-600 grams and females around 700-800 grams.
Habitat and distribution
The Southeast Asian Box Turtle is found in a variety of habitats, including lowland rainforests, swamps, and agricultural lands. They are mainly aquatic but also spend a considerable amount of time on land. In India, they are found in the Northeastern states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. They are often found in slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes with thick vegetation cover.
Food habits
The Southeast Asian Box Turtle is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of plant and animal matter. They feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small vertebrates like fish and frogs. They are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available in their habitat.
Breeding
The breeding season of Southeast Asian Box Turtles starts in the rainy season (June-September). They mate in water and females lay eggs in sandy soil. A clutch of 2-6 eggs is laid, and the incubation period lasts for around 60-80 days. The hatchlings emerge in the post-monsoon season (October-November) and are usually around 4-5 cm long.
Conservation status
The Southeast Asian Box Turtle is considered to be an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat destruction, over-exploitation for food and traditional medicine, and collection for the pet trade. The government of India has listed the species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and its habitat, including captive breeding programs and awareness campaigns among local communities.
Where to see them
Southeast Asian Box Turtles are found in the Northeastern states of India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. They are often found in slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes with thick vegetation cover. Some of the best places to see them are the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, and the Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh. The best time to see them is during the monsoon season (June-September), when they are more active and visible.
