Big-headed turtle | |
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A big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Testudines |
Suborder: | Cryptodira |
Superfamily: | Testudinoidea |
Family: | Platysternidae Gray, 1869[3] |
Genus: | Platysternon Gray, 1831[3] |
Species: | P. megacephalum
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Binomial name | |
Platysternon megacephalum | |
Synonyms[4] | |
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The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae from Southeast Asia and southern China.[3]
Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in "Kinosternoidea", it was later moved to the Emydidae. With the Geoemydidae being split off from these, it seems wisest to reinstate the Platysternidae.[editorializing] This, as well as the subfamily and the genus Platysternon, are monotypic.
It is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1][3]
The big-headed turtle is known to readily climb over obstacles in and around rivers and fast streams, using its tail as a prop to extend the reach of its strong claws; it also uses its beak to assist in climbing.[5] It has been reported to climb trees and bushes. It is not a strong swimmer, and when swimming, this species occasionally arches its tail in the manner of a scorpion.[5] The big-headed turtle cannot pull its head in its shell. That being the case, it will not hesitate to use its powerful jaws to defend itself. It is a fish, snail and worm[6] eater.
The big-headed turtle is readily consumed in Asia and is frequently a market item. Hunters capture them on lines with baited straight pins, so this species is rapidly disappearing in the wild.[7] The species is threatened by its use in the pet trade.[1]
In addition, two other subspecies, P. m. tristernalis (1984) and P. m. vogeli (1969), have been given, but may be invalid.[8]