About
Terrapins are a type of freshwater turtle that can live in freshwater as well as water with higher levels of salt, as in estuaries, the tidal portions of rivers, mangrove swamps, and creeks that exchange water with the ocean.
Painted terrapins are medium- to large-sized turtles. Like all aquatic turtles, the oval, relatively flattened shells of painted terrapins offer little resistance to water. Each forelimb contains five claws, and all toes are webbed. The projecting snout can be used as a snorkel. Painted terrapins are quite shy on land and often move quickly to water when disturbed. Observed behaviors of painted terrapins are limited to mating, feeding, and basking. Painted terrapins often climb on to logs or floating vegetative mats to bask in the sun.
One of the most endangered turtles in Southeast Asia, the painted river terrapin is in trouble because it is hunted by humans for food, traditional medicine, and the illegal pet trade. By returning to the same beaches and sand bars year after year, its predictable habits allow extensive harvesting of breeding females and eggs.
Habitat
The historic range of the painted terrapin is Borneo, southern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, and northeastern Sumatra.
Diet
Mainly herbivorous, consuming mangrove fruits, fallen vegetation, and river grass, as well as the occasional mollusk and shellfish.
Physical characteristics
Females can be 20 to 28 inches long, while males are smaller at 12 to 16 inches. They can weigh up to 55 pounds. Lifespan is unknown, but most turtles live 40 to 80 years.
Painted terrapins are medium to large-sized turtles native to Asia.
STATUS
One of the most endangered turtles in Southeast Asia, the painted river terrapin is in trouble because it is hunted for food, traditional medicine, and the illegal pet trade. By returning to the same beaches and sand bars year after year, its predictable habits allow extensive harvesting of breeding females and eggs.
Location Within the Zoo
You’ll find this animal in the Desert LAIR. See Zoo Map.
