Spotted Pond Turtle
[Geoclemys hamiltonii]
The spotted pond turtle is a rare, large freshwater turtle with black ground color and white or light yellow spots on its shell, neck and legs. A large shield, sometimes divided into three, covers the upper surface of the snout and the crown, one shield around the upper jaw and one on each side between the eye and the ear. Mature adults grow up to 14 inches in length. Its digits are webbed to the claws. The tail is extremely short. The shell is dark brown or blackish, elegantly marked with yellow spots and radiating streaks, and the soft parts are dark brown or blackish, with round yellow spots, largest on the head and neck.
Location: The Lower RainForest
Future For Wildlife
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Range
The range of the spotted pond turtle is Pakistan, Northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Habitat
Spotted pond turtles inhabit streams, meadows, bogs and ponds.
Conservation Status
EndangeredPrimary Threats
Human Wildlife CoexistenceGestation
Incubation: 60-90 days
Litter
Clutch size: 10-12
Behavior
Spotted pond turtles bask in the sunshine during the day and sleep under water at night. They prefer shallow, clear waters with considerable aquatic vegetation. They are mostly carnivorous---but will eat fruit and vegetables occasionally.
Reproduction
Courtship for spotted pond turtles usually takes place during February and March, with nesting in April and May.
Wild Diet
Snails, worms, slugs, tadpoles, fish salamanders, spiders
