Black-breasted leaf turtle
species of reptile
The black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri), also commonly called the Vietnamese leaf turtle or the black-breasted hill turtle, a species of turtle (Order Testudines). The species is listed as one of the smallest turtle species in the world. The species is endemic to Southeast Asia and is listed as endangered as of July 16, 2018.
Classification
The black-breasted leaf turtle is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (formerly called Bataguridae).
Etymology
The specific name, spengleri, is in honor of Danish naturalist Lorenz Spengler.
Characteristics
They are one of the smallest turtle species weighing from 90 to 150 grams and can be recognized for its black markings among the plastron while its carapace resembles a leaf. Much is not known about the behavior of G. spengleri but it is said they are solitary and terrestrial animals. They also have the ability to move their eyes independently to observe their surroundings. These turtles have an estimated lifespan of 20–24 years.
Geographic range
G. spengleri is found in the montane forests of China, Vietnam and Laos.
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This entry incorporates text from “Black-breasted leaf turtle” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.