The Big-Headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is named for it's flattened, triangular head, which is so large that it actually cannot be pulled into it's shell. That fact alone endangers this creature, as it cannot protect itself well. Big-Headed Turtles also have very long tails. The big headed turtle, and the Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle) are the only turtle species with tails! This reptile lives in and on the banks of cold, clean, fast moving mountain streams only about 10 centimeters deep and 1 meter wide. It is an excellent climber, and is actually much better at climbing than swimming, as shown in this video. "It is found in Cambodia, China (including SAR Hong Kong), Lao PDR (Laos), northern Burma (Myanmar), northern and western Thailand, and northern Viet Nam" according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During dry seasons, the rivers these turtles live in will sometimes dry up, forcing the turtles to travel for several weeks on dry land. Having other streams nearby is crucial to it's survival. It is mainly carnivorous, "and eats mollusks, crustaceans and similar items" says Pet-Turtle.
Some of the factors that contribute to the Big-Headed Turtle becoming endangered are the fact this turtle cannot pull it's head into it's shell all the way, so it cannot protect itself against predators. It is also a popular meat all over Asia. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says, "Big-headed turtle populations face serious threats from commercial harvest for human consumption and, there has been a recent documented rise in the number of hatchlings for sale in pet markets, because of their vivid colors. The species continues to garner high prices in the international pet trade and in food markets. Furthermore, it is believed that most if not all of the specimens found in trade have been collected from the wild, since this species does not breed well in captivity. Habitat destruction (deforestation, hydro-electric dams and stream liming) is also considered a threat in some areas, notably China." The Big-Headed Turtle is legally protected in Thailand and Myanmar, and no export is allowed in China, Laos, and Vietnam. Illegal international trade still continues, however, and it seems that the more restrictions are placed, the more valuable and wanted they are. This species is disappearing very quickly in the wild. Hunters capture and sell them, and they are then sold in pet stores or eaten, which is especially common in Asia.
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Big Headed Turtles are unique creatures, even from most other turtles. They are irreplaceable. They stop overpopulation of other animals, such as mussels, fish, and worms. They bring variety and balance to their environment, and they deserve to be saved.
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