Tricarinate Hill Turtle Did you see this animal?
Scientific Name : Melanochelys tricarinata
Family : Geoemydidae
Order : Testudines
Class : Reptilia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Three-keeled Land Tortoise, Three-keeled Tortoise, Three-keeled Land Turtle
Habitat : Terrestrial, inhibits grassland in hills close to water and also gressland along the river.
Description : The Tricarinate Hill Turtle is a medium-sized turtle, with adults typically reaching lengths of up to 25 centimeters (10 inches).
The shell of the Tricarinate Hill Turtle is characterized by three distinct keels, which give the turtle its name. The shell is typically brown or olive in color.
This turtle is found in freshwater habitats such as streams, ponds, and swamps, often in hilly or mountainous regions.
The Tricarinate Hill Turtle is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter. They commonly eat insects, crustaceans, fish, and plant material.
This species is mostly active during the day, and will bask in the sun to regulate its body temperature. It is an agile swimmer and can also move quickly on land.
The Tricarinate Hill Turtle breeds during the monsoon season, with females typically laying 2-4 eggs at a time.
This species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and hunting for food and the pet trade. Conservation efforts include the protection of remaining habitats, as well as efforts to reduce hunting and promote sustainable trade practices.
As an omnivore, the Tricarinate Hill Turtle plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat by consuming a variety of plant and animal matter. Its eggs and juveniles are also an important food source for predators such as birds, snakes, and other carnivorous animals.
The shell of the Tricarinate Hill Turtle is characterized by three distinct keels, which give the turtle its name. The shell is typically brown or olive in color.
This turtle is found in freshwater habitats such as streams, ponds, and swamps, often in hilly or mountainous regions.
The Tricarinate Hill Turtle is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter. They commonly eat insects, crustaceans, fish, and plant material.
This species is mostly active during the day, and will bask in the sun to regulate its body temperature. It is an agile swimmer and can also move quickly on land.
The Tricarinate Hill Turtle breeds during the monsoon season, with females typically laying 2-4 eggs at a time.
This species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss and hunting for food and the pet trade. Conservation efforts include the protection of remaining habitats, as well as efforts to reduce hunting and promote sustainable trade practices.
As an omnivore, the Tricarinate Hill Turtle plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat by consuming a variety of plant and animal matter. Its eggs and juveniles are also an important food source for predators such as birds, snakes, and other carnivorous animals.
Distribution in Bangladesh
Other Species from Group
-
Melanochelys trijuga
(Pond Tortoise) -
Cyclemys gemeli
(Asian Leaf Turtle) -
Manouria emys
(Asian Giant Tortoise) -
Heosemys depressa
(Arakan Forest Turtle) -
Pangshura smithii
(Brown Roofed Turtle) -
Pangshura tentoria
(Indian Tent Turtle) -
Cuora amboinensis
(Malayan Box Turtle) -
Batagur dhongoka
(Painted Roofed Turtle) -
Cuora mouhotii
(Keeled Box Turtle) -
Batagur kachuga
(Bengal Roof Turtle)
Species groups
References:
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source:Khan 2018 (Photographic guide to the wildlife of Bangladesh). photo credit:Milan Kharel(www.inaturalist.org/people/Milan Kharel), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source:Khan 2018 (Photographic guide to the wildlife of Bangladesh). photo credit:Milan Kharel(www.inaturalist.org/people/Milan Kharel), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.