Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Geoemyda japonica Fan, 1931 |
The Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle or Ryukyu Leaf Turtle, Geoemyda japonica, is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (formerly Bataguridae). It is endemic to the Ryukyu Islandsin Japan. This species has been designated a "national monument" or "national treasure" of Japan. It grows to approximately 5-6 inches long. In captivity it feeds on worms, snails, insects, and fruit. Due to its rarity and very attractive appearance, this species is highly coveted by turtle collectors worldwide.
Hybrids between different species of Geoemydidae are rather commonplace. This species is known to hybridize with males of the Cuora flavomarginata in captivity and in the wild.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Buskirk et al. (2005).
- Asian Turtle Trade Working Group (2000). Geoemyda japonica. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 29 July 2007. Listed as Endangered (EN A1ce, B1+2c)
- Buskirk, James R.; Parham, James F. & Feldman, Chris R. (2005): On the hybridisation between two distantly related Asian turtles (Testudines: Sacalia × Mauremys). Salamandra 41: 21-26. PDF fulltext
