Asian yellow pond turtle

A medium-sized freshwater turtle (family Geoemydidae) native to East and Southeast Asia (China, Vietnam, Laos, Japan—Ryukyu Islands). Adults reach 15–20 cm carapace length. The carapace is brown to dark olive, smooth, and somewhat flattened. The head has distinctive pale yellow to green stripes running along the sides, and the throat and chin are often bright yellow—hence the common name. They inhabit slow-flowing streams, ponds, marshes, and rice paddies with muddy substrates. Omnivorous: aquatic plants, invertebrates, small fish, and carrion. They are semi-aquatic, basking on logs and rocks. Females lay 1–4 eggs per clutch (small clutch size), with 1–2 clutches per year; incubation: 60–85 days. This species is severely threatened by overcollection for the East Asian food and traditional medicine markets, as well as habitat destruction. Wild populations have declined dramatically across their range. They are classified as Endangered by the IUCN and listed on CITES Appendix II. Conservation breeding programs exist. Lifespan: 20–30+ years.