What kind of animal is the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. It is a member of the Okinawa black-breasted turtle family and can only be seen in Japan. However, due to its small population, it is designated as an endangered species.
- What is the Ryukyu Forest Turtle? Basic Stats
- Habitat
- What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
- What is its personality like?
- What is its ecology like?
- About Ryukyu Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle Juveniles
- Is the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle an endangered species?
- Can the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle be kept as a pet?
What is the Ryukyu Forest Turtle? Basic Stats
The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is a turtle classified in the order Testudins, family Geoemyda, genus Geoemyda. Its scientific name is Geoemyda japonica, and its English name is Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtle. Its carapace length is 7-15cmg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | リュウキュウヤマガメ 琉球山亀 |
| English（英名） | Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtle |
| scientific name(学名) | Geoemyda japonica |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Testudinidae、Butagur 爬虫綱、カメ目、イシガメ科、ヤマガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 7～15cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
Taxonomy of the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
- 界（Kingdom）：動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）：脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）：爬虫綱 (Reptilia)
- 目（Order）：カメ目 (Testudines)
- 科（Family）：スッポン科 / ヤマガメ科 (Geoemydidae)
- 属（Genus）：ヤマガメ属 (Mauremys) ※または地域によって Manouria に分類される場合あり
- 種（Species）：リュウキュウヤマガメ (Mauremys japonica、日本固有種)
Habitat
The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is found in Okinawa, Japan. It is often found in the northern part of Okinawa Island. It can also be found on the main island of Okinawa.
- Distribution
Endemic to Japan (found only in Japan)
Distributed mainly in the Ryukyu Islands
Okinawa Island
Some islands, including Kumejima and the Amami Islands
*Not naturally found in Honshu or Kyushu. Extremely rare as a Japanese endemic turtle.
- Habitat
The Ryukyu leaf turtle is a terrestrial to semi-aquatic mountain turtle that utilizes both water and land.
Forests near freshwater bodies
Forests with streams, irrigation channels, and wetlands
Prefers slow-flowing waterside areas and moist forest floors
Moist mountainous areas and forest floors
Often found hiding in moist places such as under fallen leaves or fallen trees
Can also be seen near human settlements
May be found in irrigation channels on farmland or in damp gardens
- Environmental Characteristics
Requires water, but does not swim for long periods
More often on land, resting by burrowing into fallen leaves or moist soil
During the breeding season, it lays eggs in soft soil near water
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The Ryukyu forest turtle has a long oval-shaped carapace that is brown, yellowish brown, or dark brown in color, with three ridges and a black color. The ventral surface is black or dark brown with a yellow outer edge. The head is brown, dark brown, orange, or has yellow or reddish spots. The Ryukyu forest turtle is often found in forests and around water, and prefers moist environments.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Size
A medium-sized turtle, with a carapace length of approximately 15-20 cm at adulthood
Slightly smaller than the Radiated Turtle, with a rounded carapace
Carapace (Dorsal Shell)
Brown to dark brown, shiny
Sometimes the carapace has irregular black or dark patterns
Thick and hard, providing protection even when living on land
Plastron (Ventral Shell)
Light yellowish-brown, with a relatively simple pattern
Head and Limbs
Rounded head, with a slightly pointed snout
Feet weakly webbed, adapted for walking on land
Tail
Relatively short
- Behavior & Ecology
Semi-aquatic to terrestrial
Active in streams and wetlands near water
On land, they often burrow into fallen leaves or moist soil
They also bask (bask)
Activity Pattern
Active mostly during the day, but tend to be crepuscular, active in the morning and evening
Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: Aquatic plants, fruits, leaves
Animals: Insects, small invertebrates
Personality
Quiet and timid
Highly cautious, they will hide in water or fallen leaves if they sense danger
Very rarely aggressive
- Reproduction
Breeding season is from spring to early summer
Females lay 4-6 eggs in soft soil near water
Eggs hatch in moist soil
Young adults are small and brightly spotted
What is its personality like?
The Ryukyu forest turtle has a very docile and gentle personality and will not attack, making it suitable as a pet. However, there is a reason why it is difficult to keep as a pet. The reason will be explained later.
- Basic Personality
Gentle and gentle
Little aggressive, they rarely exhibit aggression, and can be kept with other small turtles of the same species or other small turtles with minimal problems.
Very timid and cautious
They will immediately hide when touched by humans for the first time.
When they sense danger, they will retract their head and legs into their shell and flee underwater or under fallen leaves.
- Behavioral Characteristics
Semi-aquatic and calm
They swim leisurely near water and walk slowly on land.
Diurnal, but timid
They are mostly active during the day, but will quickly hide from predators or large movements.
Fun to observe.
In captivity, once accustomed to their environment, they may approach the water in response to food.
Some individuals will even eat food from the hand.
- Personality in Captivity
Once accustomed to their environment, these turtles are gentle and easy to handle.
Observing them quietly without excessive handling will reduce stress.
They are particularly timid as young turtles, spending a lot of time hiding in the shade or underwater.
What is its ecology like?
The Ryukyu forest turtle lives by eating insects, earthworms, snails, and other plants such as leaves, buds, and fruits. It reproduces by laying eggs. In the wild, it lays 4-6 eggs in June-August. Their lifespan is said to be around 25 years.
- Habitat
Semi-aquatic to terrestrial turtle
Prefers forest areas near streams, wetlands, and irrigation ditches
Often active on land, resting under damp leaves or fallen trees
Requires a humid environment
Live near water and are sensitive to dryness
- Activity Patterns
Predominantly diurnal
Forages for food near water or on land during the day
May be slightly active during the twilight hours and at night
Basks (basks)
Regulates body temperature by basking near water or on land
- Diet
Omnivorous
Plant-based diet: aquatic plants, fruits, leaves
Plant-based diet: insects, small invertebrates
Juveniles and young animals eat mostly animal-based foods, but as they grow, they also consume plant-based foods
- Reproduction
Breeding season: spring to early summer
Females lay 4-6 eggs in soft soil near water. They lay eggs.
Eggs hatch in moist soil.
The young spend their time near water or on the moist forest floor, adapting to the same ecology as adults.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Since the Ryukyu forest turtle is a very small turtle, carnivores are its predators.
About Ryukyu Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle Juveniles
This article provides detailed information about the young Ryukyu Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle (Mauremys japonica).
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics (Young Adults)
Size
Immediately after hatching, carapace length is approximately 3-4 cm.
Grows to approximately 15-20 cm.
Carapace (Dorsal Shell)
Thinner and softer than adults.
Yellow-brown to brown in color, the carapace pattern often features distinct dark spots or stripes.
As they grow, the color darkens and the pattern becomes somewhat less clear.
Plastron (Ventral Shell)
Light yellow-brown in color with a relatively simple pattern.
Head and Limbs
Small, round head.
Feet are weakly webbed, but they can swim.
- Behavior and Personality (Young Adults)
Shy and highly cautious.
If they sense danger, they will immediately hide underwater or under fallen leaves.
They may swim actively, but only for short periods of time.
They move in the water to eat or check for safety.
Curious but reserved.
In captivity, they may feed from the hand.
- Diet (juveniles)
Omnivorous, but tend to eat a lot of animal matter.
Prefers small insects, earthworms, and crustaceans.
Also consumes small amounts of aquatic plants and fruit.
As they grow, their plant matter intake increases, becoming omnivorous like adults.
- Ecology and Lifestyle
Spends time near water or on the moist forest floor.
They also bask for short periods of time.
Juveniles are particularly vulnerable to predators, and spend most of their time hiding and lurking.
After 1-2 years, they gradually adopt behavioral patterns closer to those of adults.
Is the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle an endangered species?
The Batagur turtle is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts international trade and further designates it as an endangered species. In Japan, it was designated as a prefectural monument in Okinawa in 1972 and as a national natural monument in 1975, and live specimens are almost never exported for commercial purposes from Japan. The population has drastically decreased due to habitat destruction and reduced prey due to pesticides and herbicides.
- International Conservation Status
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List
Classification: Critically Endangered (CR)
Meaning: The wild population is extremely small and the species is at high risk of extinction in the near future.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Listed in Appendix II
International trade requires a permit, and import and export without a permit are prohibited.
- Main Causes of Decline
Habitat Destruction
Wetlands and streams are lost due to deforestation and development.
Farmland and road construction fragment the natural environment.
Poaching and Pet Trade
Due to their rarity, they are captured both domestically and internationally to meet the demand for pets.
Competition with Invasive Species
Invasion of invasive species such as the red-eared slider turtle deprives them of food and habitat.
- Conservation Status and Measures
Protected by Japanese Law
Designated as a “Natural Monument,” capture, transfer, and sale are generally prohibited.
Breeding in Captivity
Attempts are being made to maintain populations through breeding in zoos and conservation organizations.
Habitat Conservation
Conservation of Wetlands and Streams, Elimination of Invasive Species, and Efforts to Restore Nature
Can the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle be kept as a pet?
It is prohibited by law to capture, raise, or sell the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle. Therefore, if you absolutely must do so, you must obtain permission. It is under the protection of the Ministry of the Environment, and as it is an endemic species, it is strictly managed.
- Legal Restrictions
This species is endemic to Japan and designated as a natural monument.
In principle, capture, transfer, and sale are prohibited (protected by the Cultural Properties Protection Act and local government ordinances).
Illegal acquisition may be subject to penalties (fines and imprisonment).
Only licensed zoos and research institutions may keep them.
- Care Precautions
Even if legal permission is granted, the environment in which they are kept is extremely delicate.
Environmental Requirements
Requires a semi-aquatic turtle breeding environment
Shallow water (5-10cm deep) + a place on land for basking
Keep the water clean (slightly acidic to neutral is ideal)
Maintain a water temperature of around 20-28°C and high humidity
Provide hiding places
Hidden places are essential for young and timid individuals
Lighting and temperature control
Ultraviolet (UVB) light to aid calcium metabolism
Basking spots on land to regulate body temperature
Diet
Omnivorous; young turtles primarily eat animal-based foods (insects, earthworms, crustaceans)
Adults also eat plant-based foods (aquatic plants, fruits, leaves)
Pay attention to nutritional balance and calcium supplementation
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