News & Events

Species Spotlight! Big-headed Turtle!

Today is #NationalSkilledTradesDay! Of all the species maintained at the Turtle Survival Center, the Big-headed Turtle takes the most skill  to maintain and breed! (Albeit an obscure and highly specialized skill set, it is a VERY important one!)

Common name: Big-headed Turtle

Scientific name: Platysternon megacephalum

Countries of origin: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam

Habitat: Steep, clearwater, cascading hill streams

Threats: Habitat destruction, degradation, and alteration; collection for the pet trade

Wild Population: Decreasing; now rare throughout its rang

Conservation: Captive breeding and assurance colonies; combating wildlife trafficking; protected in the wild in China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam; CITES Appendix I

Graphic: Jordan Gray

Turtle Photo: Rachael Harff, Licensed

Help care for the Big-headed Turtles at the Turtle Survival Center today! https://give.turtlesurvival.org/2023-Turtle-Month-SM

**Turtle Survival Alliance strives to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact Jordan Gray at [email protected]**