Big headed turtle

Despite their small size, the Big-headed turtle is known to bite fiercely when threatened, making them tough to handle.

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct

Meet our big-headed turtle

The Big-headed turtle is a distinctive freshwater species recognized for its unusually large head, which it is unable to retract into its shell due to its size. This turtle possesses a powerful bite and a notably long tail, often nearly equal in length to its body. Remarkably agile, the Big-headed Turtle can climb steep, rocky surfaces—including waterfalls—by utilising its strong jaws and limbs.

Why is the Big-headed turtle endangered?

The Big-headed turtle is endangered due to habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and overharvesting for traditional medicine and food markets in parts of Asia.

Can the Big-headed turtle pull its head into its shell?

The Big-headed Turtle is unable to pull their head into their shell due to its unusually large size. In fact, the head remains prominently exposed even when the turtle attempts to withdraw, leaving it vulnerable to predators. As a result, the species relies on its powerful bite and remarkable agility as primary means of defence.

Where can you find Big-headed turtles in the wild?

Big-headed turtles are native to mountainous forest streams in Southeast Asia, including southern China, northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Family:

Platysternidae

Diet:

Carnivorous (insects, snails, fish, crustaceans)

Life Span:

20-40 years

Number of Young:

1-2 eggs per clutch

Distribution:

Southeast Asia

Habitat:

Cool, fast-flowing mountain streams and rocky forest creeks.

Length:

18–20 cm

Weight:

1–1.5kg

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Big headed turtle

Despite their small size, the Big-headed turtle is known to bite fiercely when threatened, making them tough to handle.

Meet our big-headed turtle

Key Facts

Experiences

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Big headed turtle

Despite their small size, the Big-headed turtle is known to bite fiercely when threatened, making them tough to handle.

Meet our big-headed turtle

Key Facts

Experiences

Events

News

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