News & Events

Species Spotlight: Arakan Forest Turtle

Meet the awesome Arakan Forest Turtle!

This Critically Endangered turtle is named for the Arakan Mountains of western Myanmar, and is also native to Bangladesh. Camouflaged by its dark brown skin and dark brown to tan carapace, this turtle seamlessly blends into the leafy forest floor it traverses. This turtle has been observed burrowing under leaves during the hottest parts of the day, and is largely active at night.

These turtles look similar to other species native to the same area, like young Asian Giant Tortoises, but have certain traits that set them apart, such as long, sharp claws that allow them to climb through rugged terrain.

Due to habitat destruction, collection for the pet trade, and lack of access to priority areas, this species was presumed extinct for decades, but in 1994, it was rediscovered in an Asian food market. Establishing assurance colonies and protected breeding facilities have increased its populations. 

Turtle Survival Alliance dedicated Myanmar’s first turtle and tortoise rescue facility in 2012. The Turtle Rescue Center (TRC) is located in May Myo along a major trade route from Mandalay to China for illegally harvested wildlife.

At the TRC, Arakan Forest Turtles confiscated from illegal trade have a place to stabilize and be treated for dehydration and any injuries they may have sustained during capture and transit, They’re then integrated into our collaborative assurance colonies for conservation breeding.

We also support the Turtle Conservation Center in Bhawal National Park, Bangladesh, where multiple Critically Endangered species of turtle and tortoise are bred to increase their numbers in the country and for introducing into the wild to bolster wild populations. This project is a collaborative effort of Creative Conservation Alliance, Turtle Survival Alliance, and Bangladesh Forest Department.

A new enclosure to house Arakan Forest Turtles, an endemic to western Myanmar, was completed in April 2011 at the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Range in Gwa. In 2023, we hatched eight Arakan forest turtles between two assurance colonies here.

The species is also a part of our breeding program at the Turtle Survival Center.

• Pictured: Arakan Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa)
• Countries of Origin: Bangladesh, Myanmar
• Habitat: Mountainous evergreen and bamboo forests
• Wild Population: Decreasing; habitat loss accounts for more than 80% of decline; individuals increasingly difficult to find
• IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
• Threats: Habitat destruction; collection for local consumption and foreign pet and meat trades

Header image courtesy of Alina Loth.