The cutest turtle ever!! Smiling faced turtle from Japanese southern islands
Hello reptile enthusiasts! Today, let’s explore the enchanting world of the Yaeyama Pond Turtle, native to the beautiful islands of Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni in Japan. These turtles are beloved for their unique characteristics and captivating presence.
Size
The adult females have a carapace length ranging from 120 to 176mm, while adult males range from 130 to 189mm.
Appearance and Habitat
The Yaeyama Pond Turtle boasts an elliptical carapace with a smooth texture, and its plastron features light yellow to grayish-yellow coloration with dark spots on each scute. Endemic to Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni Islands, these turtles inhabit various water bodies such as rice paddies, wetlands, ponds, and streams. Observing them gracefully navigate aquatic environments is a truly delightful experience.
Diet and Reproduction
As omnivores, Yaeyama Pond Turtles consume a variety of food, including plants, fish, insects, and crustaceans. They reach maturity with a carapace length of around 120mm, and in captivity, females have been reported to lay a total of 8 eggs twice between August and September.
Conservation Status and Distribution
Regrettably, the Yaeyama Pond Turtle is categorized as a Near Threatened species, and local regulations in Ishigaki City and Taketomi Town recognize it as a species to be conserved. Furthermore, it is designated as a specified special rare wild plant and animal species in Taketomi Town and a specified rare wild plant and animal species in Okinawa Prefecture (limited to natural distribution populations on Ishigaki, Iriomote, and Yonaguni Islands). Unfortunately, collecting or capturing these turtles is prohibited due to these regulations.
Current Situation and Conservation Efforts
In 2015, around 6,000 Yaeyama Pond Turtles were exported to Hong Kong and China for consumption and as pets, estimating the total population in their natural habitat at around 33,000 individuals. To address this, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has implemented export restrictions based on the Washington Convention. Contributing to conservation efforts is crucial to ensuring the survival of these unique creatures and preserving their natural habitats.
Conclusion
The Yaeyama Pond Turtle is a fascinating and beautiful species because of its smiling face!!! Understanding more about them and actively participating in conservation activities is vital for their continued existence. Let’s appreciate and protect these wonderful creatures for future generations.
Stay tuned for the next blog!
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