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 |
Hamiltonian turtle taxonomy
- 界（Kingdom）：動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）：脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）：爬虫綱 (Reptilia)
- 目（Order）：カメ目 (Testudines)
- 科（Family）：ヤマガメ科 (Geoemydidae)
- 属（Genus）：ヤマガメ属 (Geoemyda)
- 種（Species）：スピンゲルリクガメ (Geoemyda spengleri)
- 亜種（Subspecies）：ハミルトンガメ (Geoemyda spengleri hamiltonii)
Habitat
The Hamilton turtle is found in areas such as India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal.
- Distribution
Distributed mainly in Southeast Asia
Northern Thailand
Myanmar
Northern India (including Assam)
Some reports of its presence in Laos and Vietnam have also been reported
Typically found in high-altitude forest areas
- Habitat
Prefers humid mountainous and forest environments
Found on the forest floor of evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests
Semi-terrestrial lifestyle
Not required to be near water, but lives in moist soil, moss, and under fallen leaves
Often rests under fallen leaves or tree litter during the day
Strong hiding habits
Quickly hides when sensing danger
Young adults camouflage themselves by blending in with fallen leaves and moss
- Biology
Forages for food under fallen leaves and shrubs in forests
Lives only in high-altitude mountainous and humid forest floor environments
Both young and adults are very timid, active mainly in the morning and evening
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.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Size
This small mountain turtle has an adult carapace length of approximately 12-15 cm.
It weighs approximately 200-500 g and is lightweight.
Shell (Carapace)
Glossy greenish-brown to blackish-brown.
Young adults have yellow or orange spots on their carapace, which aids in camouflage.
Adults acquire a darker overall color, and the patterns become less noticeable.
Plastron (Ventral Carapace)
Light yellowish-brown to pale yellow.
Patterning is subtle.
Head and Limbs
The head is small and rounded, sometimes with a light line around the eyes.
The legs are short and sturdy, allowing them to easily walk on fallen leaves and soil in forests.
Tail
Short, with a blunt tip.
- Behavior & Ecology
Semi-terrestrial, living on the forest floor
Although not required to live near water, they will rest in moist soil or under fallen leaves
Strong hiding habits
If they sense danger, they will hide under fallen leaves or logs
Activity Patterns
Crepuscular, active in the mornings, evenings, and cooler times of the day
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on fruit, leaves, insects, and small invertebrates
- Personality
Very timid and cautious
Little aggressive, gentle
Rarely habituated to humans, they primarily focus on adapting to their environment
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.
- Basic Personality
Very timid and cautious
If threatened, they will immediately hide under fallen leaves or fallen trees
Gentle and rarely aggressive
Can coexist with other turtles and smaller turtles
Curious but reserved
They will slowly emerge when food is available, but will hide if you try to handle them forcefully
- Behavioral Characteristics
Mainly burrowing and hiding
They often stay still in burrows or under fallen leaves during the day
Active in the morning, evening, and cooler times (crepuscular)
It is important for them to become accustomed to their environment
Rather than becoming accustomed to humans, it is more important for them to be able to live safely in an environment with hiding places such as fallen leaves and fallen trees
- Personality in Captivity
Easy to handle but timid
Nearly non-aggressive, making observation fun
A well-organized and quiet environment reduces stress
Young turtles are particularly cautious and spend a lot of time hiding among fallen leaves and twigs
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.
- Habitat
Semi-terrestrial, lives on the forest floor
Inhabits the humid forests and high-altitude mountains of Southeast Asia
Although not required to live near water, they live in moist soil, moss, and under fallen leaves
Strong hiding habits
When threatened, they hide under fallen leaves or logs
Young animals also camouflage themselves by blending in with fallen leaves and moss
- Activity Patterns
Crepuscular (active in the morning and evening)
They often hide and remain motionless during the day
May bask in the sun (basking)
They bask in open areas of the forest floor for short periods to regulate their body temperature
- Diet
Omnivorous
Plants: leaves, fruits, moss
Farms: insects, small invertebrates
Young animals consume a large amount of animal-based food
As they grow, they also consume more plant-based foods, becoming omnivorous like adults
- Reproduction
Spawning: Spring to early summer
2-6 eggs per clutch They lay their eggs under fallen leaves or soil.
Eggs hatch in moist environments, and the young spend their time on the forest floor or under fallen leaves.
They learn to hide in holes and fallen leaves from a young age, adapting to the same ecology as adults.
Do they have any natural predators?
Hamilton’s turtles are small turtles, so carnivores are their predators.
About Hatched Hamiltonian Turtles
This section provides a detailed overview of hatched Hamiltonian turtles (Geoemyda spengleri hamiltonii) juveniles.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics (Hatchlings)
Size
The carapace length immediately after hatching is approximately 4-5cm.
Even when fully grown, the carapace length remains small, at approximately 12-15cm.
Shell (Carapace)
Hatchlings’ carapace is bright greenish-brown with yellow-orange spots.
The pattern darkens and becomes less noticeable as they grow.
Rounded, dome-shaped, and soft.
Plaston (Ventral Shell)
Light yellowish-brown with a subtle pattern.
Head and Limbs
The head is small and rounded, sometimes with faint lines around the eyes.
The legs are short and sturdy, making them easy to walk on the forest floor and fallen leaves.
Tail
Short and blunt at the tip.
- Behavior and Personality (Juveniles)
Very timid and cautious
If they sense danger, they will immediately hide under fallen leaves or fallen logs
Active in the mornings, evenings, and cooler times (crepuscular)
Curious but reserved
They may come out in response to food, but rarely approach people
- Diet (Juveniles)
Omnivorous, but consumes a large amount of animal matter
Mainly insects and small invertebrates
Also consumes small amounts of leaves and fruit
As they grow, they consume more plant matter, adapting to the same omnivorous diet as adults
- Ecology and Lifestyle
Spend most of their time on the forest floor or under fallen leaves and logs
Hidden during the day, active in the mornings and evenings
Avoids high temperatures and dryness, and spends a lot of time hiding
Adapts to the same behavioral patterns and ecology as adults within a few years
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.
- International Conservation Status
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List
Classification: CR (Critically Endangered)
Meaning: The wild population is extremely small and at high risk of extinction in the near future.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Listed in Appendix II
A permit is required for international trade, and unauthorized import and export are prohibited.
- Main Causes of Decline
Pet Trade/Smuggling
Due to their small size and beautiful appearance, wild individuals are illegally captured.
Habitat Destruction
Deforestation and development in Southeast Asia have reduced the forest floor environment.
Environmental Change
Habitat conditions have deteriorated due to deforestation and drought.
- Conservation Status and Measures
Captive Breeding
Captively bred in zoos and conservation organizations, and legally bred individuals are in circulation.
Habitat Protection
Forest Protection and Regulation of Illegal Logging
International Regulations
International trade is governed by CITES Appendix II.
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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