The Painted Terrapin is a species of turtle that is native to South-East Asia in places such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
This species is critically endangered in the wild and is regarded as one of the most endangered species of freshwater turtle in the wild.
This species goes by a number of other common names including the Painted Batagur and the Saw Jawed Turtle.
It should not be confused with the Painted Turtle that is found in North America as this is an entirely different species.
Painted Terrapin Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Painted Terrapin belongs to is called Geoemydidae. This family of turtle used to be known as Bataguridae, and is the largest and most diverse family of turtles.
There are about 70 different species of turtles that belong to this family. The family is extremely diverse and includes species of Eurasian Pond Turtles, River Turtles and Wood Turtles.
This family of turtle have a very large geographical distribution and can primarily be found in Europe, Asia and North Africa. The species in the genus Rhinoclemmys are the only turtles in the family that can be found in Central and South America.
Some of the defining features of the Geoemydidae family of turtles include;
- They usually have webbed toes.
- Their Pelvic Girdles articulate with their Plastrons flexibility.
- They draw back their necks vertically.
- Their Carapace has 24 marginal scutes.
Genus
The genus that the Painted Terrapin belongs to is called Batagur. This is a genus of large turtle’s native to Southern Asia.
There are currently 6 recognised species in this genus including the Common River Terrapin, the Burmese Roofed Turtle and the Southern River Terrapin.
Species
The scientific name for the Painted Terrapin is Batagur borneoensis and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1844 by two German Herpetologists named Hermann Schlegel and Salomon Müller.
Painted Terrapin Description
The Painted Terrapin is a medium-sized species of freshwater turtle. They typically measure between 35 to 45 centimetres in length, with males usually being slightly smaller than females.
Their carapace or upper shell is smooth and ranges in color from dark brown to black, with distinct yellow or orange stripes and patterns radiating from the centre of each scute.
The plastron or lower shell is usually yellow or cream-colored. The head is relatively small and rounded with distinct black markings on the sides.
Some individuals may also have yellow or orange spots on the head and face. Their legs are strong and equipped with claws suitable for digging and swimming.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Painted Terrapin is native to a number of countries in the Southeast Asian region in places such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
This species is mainly associated with the island of Borneo which is one of the largest islands in the world. Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei all own parts of this island.
The Painted Terrapin is primarily found in brackish or freshwater environments, particularly in mangrove forests, estuaries, rivers, and coastal lagoons.
Painted Terrapin Behaviour
The Painted Terrapin is mostly diurnal, meaning they are mainly active during the day.
They are known for their excellent swimming abilities but will also leave the water to bask in the sun.
They are quite shy and will often retreat into the water when approached by humans or potential predators.
The Painted Terrapin is omnivorous and has a diverse diet that includes aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish.