top of page
Madagascar Big-Headed Turtle
Description
The Madagascan big-headed turtle is a unique reptile. It has a particularly large head compared to its body. Due to its colorition, it can sometimes appear to have large plates of gold armoring its over-sized head and body. The turtle’s skull is solid bone and, unlike other turtles, has no openings in the upper surface .The legs of the species are have legs which are covered with large scales and its tail is very long and muscular. Their tail can support the entire weight of the body. It usually spends the day under a rock or under water. It’s not a good swimmer but well adapted for walking and climbing on rocks.. And their other common name “Madagascar side-necked turtle”, reveals a feature when the head is withdrawn in to the shell: it actually bends sideway rather than straight back.
Classification
Scientific name - Erymnochelys Madagascariensis
Order-Testudines
Family-Podocnemididae
Kingdom- Animallia
Class- Reptilia
phylum - Chordata
Genus-Erymnochelys
Distribution
They geographical range extends from western lowland river basins of Madagascar to, Mangoky River in South to the Sambirano region. They’re known to be critically endangered. The individual population comprise ten to hundred animals. They’re habitat consists of slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps. And they also prefer to live in basking sites like rocks, logs and etc.
Countries
Grand Cayman
These turtles are critically endangered species and they’re threatened by deforestation and agricultural practices. And they’re also exploited for food.
.So we must protect these amazing species and should give hands to save the beauty of the nature.
bottom of page