Species Spotlight! Keeled Box Turtle!

Mouhotii Monday!

These unique little turtles are named for the three ridges, or keels, running down their backs. Think of them as having shells like little overturned boat hulls navigating leafy forest floors in Southeast Asia! The paths they ply are becoming evermore treacherous for these overexploited, endangered turtles. You can help by supporting the Keeled Box Turtle population at our Turtle Survival Center today! https://give.turtlesurvival.org/2023-Turtle-Month-SM


Common name: Keeled Box Turtle

Scientific name: Cuora mouhotii

Countries of origin: Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand (?), Vietnam

Habitat: Tropical and subtropical moist evergreen forests and lowland swamps

Threats: Habitat destruction; collection for the food, pet, and, occasionally, medicinal trades

Wild Population: Decreasing; estimated population reduction between 50-80%; uncommon to moderately common depending on location

Conservation: Captive breeding and assurance colonies; field surveys; protected in the wild in China, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar; CITES Appendix II



Graphic: Jordan Gray
Turtle Photos: Jordan Gray, Scott Trageser

**Turtle Survival Alliance strives to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact Jordan Gray at jgray@turtlesurvival.org**