Yellow Lined Box Turtle (Cuora Amboinensis)
Conservation status
IUCN: Red List: Least Concern
Key Descriptions
Alternatively known as the Amboina box turtle, they are endemic to Southeast Asia. They are distinguished by the yellow lines which run past the side of their faces & the ability to withdraw its limbs & head completely into its box like shell when frightened. They are omnivorous semi-aquatic reptiles who are popular in the exotic pet trade & are one of the only few species of reptiles for sale as pets in Singapore, albeit available rarely.
Habitat
They are endemic to a large portion of Asia, predominantly occurring in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Indonesia. Preferring warm bodies of water with slow moving currents, these box turtles can be found in areas such as lakes & streams as well as small ponds & swamps but will also traverse land due to their semi-aquatic nature.
Social Life
They are social animals. With the top of its head largely dark green in coloration & a brownish black carapace, these nocturnal turtles are well adapted to hiding in plain sight, taking shelter under the cover of leaves & aquatic vegetation in their environment. While largely aquatic, these turtles will venture on land to forage for food ranging from fallen fruits to worms & insects.
Fun Facts
- They are omnivorous, with younger turtles tending towards more meat consumption and older turtles eating a more herbivorous diet.
- The females lay eggs throughout the year with around one to five brittle but large eggs per patch that have an average incubation period of around 76 days across all subspecies.
Diet
Plants, fish & other small aquatic animals
Key Information
| Origin: | South East Asia |
| Size: | Up to 45cm |
| Weight: | Up to 3kg |
| Lifespan: | Up to 30years |