#spiny turtle

These “freshwater” turtles live in or near shallow rainforest streams in wooded and forested hill and mountain regions where they frequently wander about on land in cool, humid, shaded areas.  These turtles in the wild are primarily herbivorous and somewhat frugivorous. They feed on a variety of vegetation and fallen fruit. They may also feed on invertebrates and carrion.

It is semi-aquatic but they often hide under plant debris or clumps of grass. Cryptic colouration helps camouflage the turtle amongst the leaf litter of its forest habitat. Young may be more terrestrial than adults. The spiny “armour” acts as a deterrent to predators, such as snakes. 

Mating behavior is apparently stimulated by rains, with males becoming excited when sprayed with water in captivity, chasing females in an attempt to mount. Females lay two to three large eggs a season, usually at night or in the early morning. To enable the passage of these relatively large eggs, a hinge develops in the female’s plastron to allow greater flexibility during egg-laying.  

These turtles are hunted by collectors for their unusual appearance and pattern. They are also hunted for the Asian food market and international pet trade. Destruction of its habitat also contributes to numbers rapidly declining in the wild. It is very difficult to breed in captivity.