Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Asian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (Chitra chitra )

Information English Name / Asian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle Science Name / Chitra chitra

Interesting :

with tortoiseshell about 1 meter in length and weight of 100-120 kilograms.

Habitat :

It has been found in India, Burma, and Pakistan and Thailand, especially at both Kwai-Noi and Kwai-Yai River in Karnchanaburi and Mae-Klong River in Ratchburi. Normally, HABITAT AND ECOLOGY Chitra chitra inhabits large rivers with clear water and sandy substrate; records exist from reservoirs, but the long-term suitability of reservoirs for the species is unknown. In Indonesia, it has been found in muddy rivers in Ciliwung (recently collected near Jakarta). Generation length is estimated at 45 years (age of first reproduction = 15 x 3). Three generations is 135 years.

Food :

it hides in apron to hunt prey such as frog, crab, shrimp, and fish

Behavior :

Because of big and weighty soft-shelled turtle so it walks slowly and always lives in the water. It will get on land when it needs to lay eggs. It prefers to live in rivers, sandy moving downstream.

Current Status :

Endangered Chitra chitra has been listed on CITES Appendix II since 2002 and is protected from exploitation in Thailand under the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act (WARPA law) of 1992. It is also protected in Indonesia under the Government Regulation of Indonesia No. 7 of 1999. A conservation breeding program was established in Kanchanaburi by the Fisheries Department of Thailand in the late 1990s with the goal of supporting the population through release of headstarted captive-bred juveniles. Further in situ conservation measures, including strict protection of nesting sites and adjoining river areas, environmentally sensitive operation of hydroelectric reservoirs, public awareness and education, and further population surveys and monitoring, are needed (van Dijk and Palasuwan 2000; Kitimasak et al. 2003, 2005).