What kind of animal is the Batagur turtle? We will explain the species, characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. The Batagur turtle is a member of the Japanese pond turtle family and is a very small turtle. Although it is a very popular turtle, it is an endangered species and is in a very critical situation.
What is Batagur Turtle? Basic Stats
The Batagur turtle is classified as a turtle in the family Geodactylidae and the genus Batagur. Its scientific name is Butagur baska, its English name is Northern river terrapin, and its other name is Four-toed Toe Turtle. Its carapace length is 50cm and its weight is 15kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | バタグールガメ |
| English（英名） | Northern river terrapin |
| scientific name(学名) | Geochelone elegans |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、Testudines、 Testudinidae、Butagur 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科、バタグールガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 50cm |
| Weight（体重） | 15kg |
Taxonomy of the Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska)
| 分類階級 | 学名・内容 |
|---|---|
| 界（Kingdom） | Animalia（動物界） |
| 門（Phylum） | Chordata（脊索動物門） |
| 綱（Class） | Reptilia（爬虫綱） |
| 目（Order） | Testudines（カメ目） |
| 科（Family） | Geoemydidae（アジアスッポン科／ミドリガメ科に近縁） |
| 属（Genus） | Batagur（バタグール属） |
| 種（Species） | Batagur baska（バタグールガメ） |
Habitat
The Batagur turtle is found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and parts of Southeast Asia.
- Geographic Distribution
Distributed mainly along rivers and near estuaries in Southeast Asia and northeastern India.
Examples of distribution by country:
India (Assam region), Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam
Also adapted to coastal estuaries and wetlands.
- Habitat Type
Prefers large freshwater to brackish rivers and estuaries, as well as muddy beaches.
Comes ashore to spawn on riverbanks and sandbars.
Mainly lives in the water, but also rests and spawns on land.
- Relationship with Water
Completely aquatic lifestyle
Feeds in shallow waters and has excellent underwater escape ability.
Comes ashore during spawning season, but otherwise lives almost entirely aquatic.
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers estuaries and riverbanks with slow currents and sand and mud deposits.
A quiet river environment with little predator or human interference is ideal.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The Batagur turtle is a member of the Japanese pond turtle family. Females are larger than males and have a slightly dome-shaped raised carapace. The carapace is gray or dark green in color. The limbs are sturdy and have webbed fingers between the toes. Batagur turtles live in aquatic environments such as medium to large rivers.
- Body Size and Morphology
Body Length: A large turtle, reaching 70-90 cm in adulthood.
Weight: Very heavy, reaching 50-90 kg.
Shell (Carapace):
Adults are dark green to black.
Young individuals are slightly brown and softer.
The shell is flat and streamlined, suitable for aquatic life.
Head and Limbs:
The head is relatively small, with strong jaws, allowing them to prey on aquatic plants and small creatures.
Their webbed limbs are adapted for swimming.
- Behavior and Personality
They primarily spend their lives underwater and are excellent swimmers.
They are timid and cautious.
They mainly come onto land only during spawning season.
- Diet
Omnivorous
Food:
Aquatic plants, fruit, small fish, insects, shellfish, etc.
They forage by stretching their necks in shallow waters.
They can crush plants and small creatures with their strong jaws.
- Ecological Impressions
A large, semi-aquatic turtle that lives in rivers and estuaries.
It primarily spends its time in the water, feeding and moving while swimming.
Adults are large and imposing, but have a timid and docile temperament.
What is its personality like?
Batagur turtles are active, so they move around a lot and swim well. Therefore, they are recommended for those who want to play with them because they are very active.
- Timid and cautious
If they sense danger, they will quickly retreat into the water.
They are especially cautious on land, sensitive to noise and human figures.
- Gentle and docile
They are rarely aggressive, tending to flee from humans and other animals without attacking them.
Although large and imposing, they have a docile personality.
- Low sociality
Generally solitary
They rarely come into contact with other individuals except during spawning season.
They forage and rest in the water, and rarely travel in groups.
- Intelligence and learning ability
They maintain a simple life pattern, but are capable of memorizing food sources and safe areas.
They adapt their behavior to their environment, such as underwater escape behavior and choosing spawning sites on land.
What is their ecology like?
Batagur turtles are herbivorous and live mainly on fallen fruit, leaves, buds and grass. They reproduce oviparously, often laying a large number of eggs, about 10 to 34 at a time. Hatching often takes about 100 days. Their lifespan depends on the species, but they can live for about 8 to 10 years, making them a long-lived animal.
- Lifestyle
Semi-aquatic, primarily living underwater
Mainly active in freshwater rivers, estuaries, and wetlands
Comes onto land mainly during spawning season
Feeds and rests in shallow or underwater waters, moving by swimming
- Diet
Omnivorous
Food:
Aquatic plants and fruit
Small fish, insects, shellfish, and other small animals
Feeding Method:
Extends its neck to retrieve food from the water and chews it with its strong jaws
- Reproduction and Rearing
Breeding Season: Varies depending on region and water temperature (mainly during the rainy season)
Oviparous; females come ashore on sandy beaches or riverbanks, dig burrows, and lay eggs.
Egg count: Approximately 20-40 eggs per clutch (a large number for a large turtle)
Incubation period: Approximately 60-90 days
Juvenile Independence:
They survive independently in the water immediately after hatching.
They grow up in a safe place, vigilant against predators.
- Behavior and Sociality
Primarily solitary.
They only encounter other individuals during breeding season and spawning grounds.
They change their range of movement depending on the season, water level, currents, and food availability.
- Habitat Relationship
Adapted to the rivers, estuaries, and wetlands of Southeast Asia and northeastern India.
Optimized for aquatic life, they prefer environments with minimal predator and human interference.
They rarely come onto land except during spawning season.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural predators of the Batagur turtle include eagles, hawks and even foxes.
About Batagur Baska Tortoise Hatchery
This article provides detailed information on the characteristics and ecology of Batagur Baska tortoise hatchlings.
- Birth and Hatching
Oviparous: Females dig burrows in the soft soil of sandy beaches or riverbanks and lay eggs there.
Number of Eggs: Approximately 20-40 per clutch
Incubation Period: Approximately 60-90 days (depending on temperature and humidity)
Body Length and Weight:
Body Length: Approximately 5-10 cm
Weight: Approximately 50-150 g
Appearance:
The carapace is soft and flat, with a faint dark brown or green pattern.
Their feet are webbed, and they already have the ability to swim.
- Juvenile Behavior
Highly Independent: They survive independently in the water immediately after hatching.
Timid and Cautious:
They will flee into the water if they sense danger.
They will seek refuge in the water by hiding behind underwater sunken logs, sandy bottoms, or shallow seaweed or rocks.
Feeding Behavior:
They forage independently for small aquatic plants, fruits, insects, and small fish.
They stretch their necks to catch food from the water.
- Growth Stages
Immediately after hatching
They act alone, and their top priority is to protect themselves from predators.
Large Stage (several months to 1 year)
Their shells harden, and their patterns and colors gradually become more vivid.
Feeding and range increase.
Juvenile Stage (1-3 years)
Their underwater swimming and hunting abilities improve.
As they approach adulthood, their body length and weight increase.
- Habitat Relationship
Large fish prefer safe areas such as shallow water, underwater algae, sunken logs, and shaded areas under sandy bottoms.
An environment protected from predators is important.
They primarily spend their time in the water and rarely come onto land.
Is the Batagur turtle an endangered species?
The Batagur turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. Not only has its habitat been reduced due to recent development, but it has also been overfished as a pet, which has become a problem. You can also see photos of the animals at the top of the website or at the top of the page.
- IUCN Assessment
Classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
Its population is extremely small, estimated at only a few hundred individuals in the wild.
It is one of the most threatened turtles in the world.
- Causes of Decline
Poaching and Consumption
Its carapace and meat are often used for food and decoration, making it a prime target for poaching.
Habitat Destruction
Habitat destruction due to riverbank construction, gravel mining, and urbanization.
Threat to Spawning Grounds
Human activities are causing the loss of sandy beaches and estuaries, resulting in a decline in reproductive success.
Climate Change
Changes in burrowing areas and water levels due to floods and droughts affect young.
- Conservation Initiatives
International Conservation Activities
Listed under CITES Appendix I (international trade prohibited)
Capture and trade of wild specimens are prohibited
Breeding and Conservation Programs
Spawning Ground Management along Rivers and in Protected Areas
Protection of Young Animals and Population Management
Collaboration with Local Communities
Riverbank and Estuary Monitoring and Anti-Poaching Activities
Can the Batagur turtle be kept as a pet?
The Batagur turtle can be kept as a pet. The following items are necessary for keeping a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and how to keep them warm. There are many products available in shops, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required at the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are many types such as red clay, coconut shells, and artificial turf. Sometimes they are sold at a low price during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place where individuals can escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Clean the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some komatsuna and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelon, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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