What kind of animal is the Hamilton turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. Although they can be seen in large numbers in South Asia, such as India and Bangladesh, they are actually designated as an endangered species and are in danger of extinction.
What is Hamilton Turtle? Basic Stats
Hamilton’s pond turtle is a turtle classified in the order Testudines, family Geochelidae, and genus Hamilton. Its scientific name is Geochelone platynota / Testudo platynota, and its English name is Hamilton’s pond turtle. Its carapace length is 30-35cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ハミルトンガメ |
| English（英名） | Hamilton’s pond turtle / Black pond turtle / Spotted pond turtle / Indian spotted turtle |
| scientific name(学名) | Geochelone platynota / Testudo platynota |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Geoemydidae、Geoclemys 爬虫綱、カメ目、イシガメ科、ハミルトンガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 30～35cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～15kg |
Habitat
The Hamilton turtle is found in areas such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal.
What are its characteristics? What is it like?
When viewed from above, the Hamilton turtle has a long, oval shape, a dome-shaped, slightly raised carapace, and three ridges. The carapace is black in color. It has radial stripes and a small to medium-sized underarm. It has a large head and a dark brown or black tail with scattered spots of the same color as the carapace. Hamilton turtles live in rivers, ponds, and other places with shallow water.
What is its personality like?
Hamilton turtles are docile, well-behaved, and gentle, making them suitable for breeding. As an endangered species, the price of these turtles is rising and they are becoming difficult to obtain.
What is their ecology like?
Hamilton turtles are carnivorous, eating insects, crustaceans, shellfish, and fish and amphibians. They are oviparous. They lay about 30 eggs in February or May. They have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years.
Do they have any natural predators?
Hamilton’s turtles are small turtles, so carnivores are their predators.
Is the Hamilton turtle an endangered species?
The Hamilton turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. It is also designated as an endangered species. Not only has its habitat been reduced due to recent development, but it is also overfished as a pet.
Can the Hamilton turtle be kept as a pet?
The Hamilton turtle is an endangered species and difficult to obtain, but it is possible to keep it as a pet. The following items are necessary to keep a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. It also has a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation method.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a wide cage of about 60 cm is required in the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring categories, from large to small. There are various types such as Akadama soil, coconut shells, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at a discounted price during campaigns.
Heater
Prepare an air conditioner or heater if necessary, and make sure your turtle is comfortable. These include panel heaters, spotlights, and basking lights.
Thermometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by being exposed to strong ultraviolet rays throughout the day. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place for them to escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet Food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some also eating mustard spinach and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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