Yellow-headed temple turtle

The yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) is a large species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. The species is native to Southeast Asia.

Etymology
The common name, "yellow-headed temple turtle", is derived from the fact that it is often found near Buddhist temples within its range.

The specific name, annandalii, is in honor of Scottish herpetologist Nelson Annandale.

Description
H. annandalii may grow to over 20 in (51 cm) in straight carapace length.

Behavior
H. annandalii is aquatic, and is generally herbivorous.

Conservation status
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) suspended trade of yellow-headed temple turtles in July 2012.

Geographic range
H. annandalii is found in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Myanmar.

Habitat
The preferred natural habitats of H. annandalii are wet forests and freshwater wetlands.

Captivity
H. annandalii may live in captivity for up to 35 years.

Two turtles were hatched in November 2019 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Heosemys annadali has been breed in captivity.

Parasites


The leech Placobdelloides siamensis is an ectoparasite of this turtle.