spotted pond turtle
SPOTTED POND TURTLE Scientific Name: Geoclemys hamiltonii Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Physical Adaptations: Shell dark brown or blackish, marked with yellow spots and radiating streaks. Soft parts dark brown or blackish, with round yellow spots, largest on the head and neck The large head and cusps and ridges in the turtle’s mouths are probably adaptations for crushing snails Mature adults grow up to 14 inches Toes are fully webbed and the tail is short
Behavioral Adaptations: They spend most of their days basking in the sun to rid their shells of algae and parasites. When night falls they submerge below the surface of the water to sleep Their occurrence in quiet waters with abundant aquatic vegetation is probably related to the fact that this vegetation supports extensive snail populations Courtship usually takes place during February and March. Nesting in April and May
Habitat/Biome: rather clear shallow water with abundant aquatic vegetation
Primary Diet: Wild: snails, worms, slugs, tadpoles, fish salamanders, and spiders CARNIVORE
Fun Facts: Also known as Black Pond Turtle; Black Spotted Turtle; Hamilton’s Terrapin; Spotted Pond Turtle (CITES) They are mostly carnivorous–but will eat fruit and vegetables occasionally Males are smaller than females
Distribution: Bangladesh; India; Nepal; Pakistan
Additional Notes: Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed Special Notes: IUCN Category: Vulnerable CITES Listing: Appendix I Threats Include: Over exploitation for food; habitat destruction, loss of nesting areas and aquatic vegetation
Incubation: 60-90 days Clutch: 10-12 Life Span: Unknown but most likely over 40 years Information Sources: (2011) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Facts www.asianturtle.org whozoo.org (Fort Worth Zoo) nlbif.eti.uva.nl/bis/turtles
Behavioral Adaptations: They spend most of their days basking in the sun to rid their shells of algae and parasites. When night falls they submerge below the surface of the water to sleep Their occurrence in quiet waters with abundant aquatic vegetation is probably related to the fact that this vegetation supports extensive snail populations Courtship usually takes place during February and March. Nesting in April and May
Habitat/Biome: rather clear shallow water with abundant aquatic vegetation
Primary Diet: Wild: snails, worms, slugs, tadpoles, fish salamanders, and spiders CARNIVORE
Fun Facts: Also known as Black Pond Turtle; Black Spotted Turtle; Hamilton’s Terrapin; Spotted Pond Turtle (CITES) They are mostly carnivorous–but will eat fruit and vegetables occasionally Males are smaller than females
Distribution: Bangladesh; India; Nepal; Pakistan
Additional Notes: Status: IUCN pop. trend: not listed Special Notes: IUCN Category: Vulnerable CITES Listing: Appendix I Threats Include: Over exploitation for food; habitat destruction, loss of nesting areas and aquatic vegetation
Incubation: 60-90 days Clutch: 10-12 Life Span: Unknown but most likely over 40 years Information Sources: (2011) Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Facts www.asianturtle.org whozoo.org (Fort Worth Zoo) nlbif.eti.uva.nl/bis/turtles
