Species Details

@Jonathan Carpenter

Black Spotted Pond Turtle Did you see this animal?

Scientific Name : Geoclemys hamiltonii
Family : Geoemydidae
Order : Testudines
Class : Reptilia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Black Pond Turtle, Spotted Pond Turtle, Indian Spotted Turtle, Spotted River Terrapin
Habitat : Completely aquatic and inhabits ponds and lakes.
 
Description : Adult Black Spotted Pond Turtles can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length, with females being slightly larger than males.

The Black Spotted Pond Turtle has a flattened, oval-shaped shell that is dark brown or black in color with yellow spots. The head and limbs are also black with yellow spots, and the eyes are large and round. The skin is smooth and may have some yellow or orange markings.
They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant matter, insects, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Black Spotted Pond Turtles are primarily aquatic and can be found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are diurnal and are most active during the day. They are relatively shy and tend to hide in vegetation or under rocks when threatened.

Females lay clutches of up to 10 eggs, which they bury in soil or sand. Incubation takes around 60 to 80 days, and the hatchlings emerge fully formed and able to fend for themselves.

The Black Spotted Pond Turtle is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, overhunting for the pet trade, and other human activities. The species is protected by national laws in some countries, but illegal trade still occurs.
 
Distribution in Bangladesh
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:Jonathan Carpenter(www.inaturalist.org/people/Jonathan Carpente), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.