Terrifying And Dangerous Turtles and Lizards

Big-headed Turtle

The Big-headed Turtle is a bizarre chelonian species with a long, snakelike tail nearly the length of its body. This turtle is native to Southeast Asia, where it hunts for a variety of prey items in the rivers. The large head cannot be retracted into its shell, and carries immensely powerful jaws. The turtle will not hesitate to use its bone shattering beak if a threat is perceived, so it is best to keep your distance. The Asian Soft-shelled is, incredibly, capable of climbing trees, where it may perch, birdlike. Sadly, this awesome creature is at risk due to poaching, which must be combatted with increased diligence.

The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae from the Southeast Asia and southern China.^[2]

Contents

• 1 Background
• 2 Distribution
• 3 Behaviour
• 4 Exploitation
• 5 Subspecies
• 6 References
• 7 External links

Background

Previously considered a distinct family placed on occasion in "Kinosternoidea", it was later moved to the Emydidae.^{[citation needed]} With the Geoemydidae being split off from these, it seems wisest to reinstate, at least for the time being, the Platysternidae.^{[citation needed]} This, as well as the subfamily and the genus Platysternon, are monotypic.^{[citation needed]}

Distribution

It is found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.^[2]

Behaviour

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.^[4] 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.^[4] 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 and snail eater.

Exploitation

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.^[5]

Subspecies

• P. m. megacephalum, China, 1831^[2]
• P. m. peguense, Myanmar and Thailand, 1870^[2]
• P. m. shiui, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, 1987^[2]

In addition, two other subspecies P. m. tristernalis (1984) and P. m. vogeli (1969) have been given, but may be invalid.^[6]

References

1. Asian Turtle Trade Working Group 2000. Platysternon megacephalum. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 July 2007.
2. Rhodin 2010, pp. 000.107
3. Fritz, Uwe; Peter Havaš (2007). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World". Vertebrate Zoology 57 (2): 264–265. ISSN 18640-5755. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-12-17. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
4. Kirkpatrick, David T. 1995. Platysternon megacephalum. Reptile & Amphibian Magazine, November/December 1995, pages 40 – 47. C/R. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
5. James E. Barzyk Turtles in Crisis: The Asian Food Markets. The article itself is not dated, but mostly refers to data in the range 1995-2000.
6. Platysternon megacephalum

• * Pritchard, D. 1979. Encyclopedia of Turtles. New Jersey: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Ltd.

Bibliography

• Rhodin, Anders G.J.; Paul van Dijk, Peter; Iverson, John B.; Shaffer, H. Bradley (2010-12-14). "Turtles of the World 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution and Conservation Status". Archived from the original (pdf) on 2010-12-15. Retrieved 2010-12-15.
• Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007-10-31). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World". Archived from the original (pdf) on 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2010-12-29.