User:HFahrney/Black-breasted leaf turtle

Additional bibliography sources:

Dawson, Jeffrey E., et al. "Geographical and elevational distributions of the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, Geoemyda spengleri (Gmelin, 1789)(Testudines: Geoemydidae)." Amphibian & Reptile Conservation 16.1 (2022): 235-244.


 * PDF file, Probably best for describing geographical range of this turtle.


 * Zoological website, basic information that have have been missed such as eating behaviors, defenses and reproduction.

Sources already in use:
 * This magazine article gives us an insight into the breeding and feeding behaviors of this turtle.

. Fong, J.; Hoang, H.; Li, P.; McCormack, T.; Rao, D.-Q.; Timmins, R.J.; Wang, L. (2020). "Geoemyda spengleri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T39552A2929166. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39552A2929166.en. Retrieved 11 April 2023

Black-breasted leaf turtle
=== The Black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri), also commonly called the Vietnamese leaf turtle or the black-breasted hill turtle, a species of turtle (Order Testudines). The species is listed as one of the smallest turtle species in the world. The species is endemic to Southeast Asia and is listed as endangered as of July 16th, 2018. ===

Classification
The Black-breasted leaf turtle is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (formerly called Bataguridae). It is recognized for its black markings among the plastron while its carapace resembles a leaf. They are one of the smallest turtle species weighing from 90 to 150 grams.

Etymology
The specific name, spengleri, is in honor of Danish naturalist Lorenz Spengler.

Characteristics
Much is not known about the behavior of G. spengleri but it is said they are solitary and terrestrial animals. They also have the ability to move their eyes independently to observe their surroundings. These turtles have an estimated lifespan of 20-24 years.

Geographic Range
G. spengleri is found in the montane forests of China, Vietnam and Laos. They can be found in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan through China to the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam. They are also found in non-native regions as a result of trade or release. G. spengleri occurrences have been recorded at high and mid elevations of 1000 meters and 500 meters but there is no set geographical distribution as result of limited surveying.

Habitat
G. spengleri inhabits unfragmented forests and woodlands near shallow freshwater streams. It's suitable habitats consist of subtropical, tropical moist montane and wetland forests. Adult G. spengleri reside under canopies or shade in suitable temperatures as low as 40°F to 90°F. They need sufficient habitat to nest in open areas.

Diet
While the feeding behaviors have not been observed in the wild, it is found that G. spengleri turtles are omnivores and have indicated a feeding diet of snails, leaves, fruits and insects through fecal substance. They may also feed on crustaceans. In captivity, this species may feed on small invertebrates and meats but prefer live prey such as earthworms, crickets, slugs and pill bugs.

Reproduction
Sexual dimorphism plastral kinesis is present in mature G. spengleri where females have a flexible connection between carapace and hypoplastron whereas males have a bony structure. Reproduction in the wild has not been recorded but in captivity, females tend to lay 1-2 eggs per clutch.

Predation
Black-breasted leaf turtle can evade predation through the camouflage of its carapace. G. spengleri 's known predators consist of anthropogenic causes, wild boar, hunting dogs and civets.

Endangerment
Through locality samples from the three Chinese provinces Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan, the G. spengleri is found to be one of the surviving species due to its secretive terrestrial mode of life and small size. They are seen going extinct due to overexploitation and large-scale habitat alteration. The G. spengleri is still present in many regions where other chelonian species are extinct or near extinct.