Malaysian Giant River Turtle (Orlitia Borneensis)
Conservation status
IUCN: Red List: Vulnerable
Key Descriptions
The Malaysian giant river turtle is the largest freshwater turtle endemic to Southeast Asia. They are a semi- aquatic species which has been heavily exploited for its meat causing rapid diminishment of local populations. They are believed to be omnivorous reptiles who feed on aquatic vegetation as well as carrion.
Habitat
Malaysian giant river turtles are semi-aquatic freshwater reptiles which inhabit large lakes, swamps & low current bodies of water in Southeast Asia, occurring mainly southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra & Borneo.
Social Life
They mainly solitary animals that are capable of remaining underwater for extended periods of time due to a bony lung chamber by the side walls of the turtles’ carapace. The adaptation enables the lungs to withstand underwater pressure remarkably well, enhancing their ability to forage & hunt for food.
Fun Facts
- This species is exported in huge amounts from Indonesia for its highly prized flesh and despite its rarity it is not protected in Malaysia. Habitat destruction for palm oil plantations and poaching for the Chinese medicinal trade have also contributed to its Critically Endangered IUCN status
- Eggs are laid on land probably several times a year; around 10 hard-shelled eggs per clutch
- Little is known about the behaviour, biology and reproduction of the Borneo river turtle
Diet
Fish & Vegetables
Key Information
| Origin: | South America |
| Size: | Up to 45cm |
| Weight: | Up to 15kg |
| Lifespan: | 40 – 75 years |