What kind of animal is the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. It is a member of the Okinawa black-breasted turtle family and can only be seen in Japan. However, due to its small population, it is designated as an endangered species.
What is the Ryukyu Forest Turtle? Basic Stats
The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is a turtle classified in the order Testudins, family Geoemyda, genus Geoemyda. Its scientific name is Geoemyda japonica, and its English name is Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtle. Its carapace length is 7-15cmg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | リュウキュウヤマガメ 琉球山亀 |
| English（英名） | Okinawa black-breasted leaf turtle |
| scientific name(学名) | Geoemyda japonica |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Testudinidae、Butagur 爬虫綱、カメ目、イシガメ科、ヤマガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 7～15cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
Habitat
The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is found in Okinawa, Japan. It is often found in the northern part of Okinawa Island. It can also be found on the main island of Okinawa.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The Ryukyu forest turtle has a long oval-shaped carapace that is brown, yellowish brown, or dark brown in color, with three ridges and a black color. The ventral surface is black or dark brown with a yellow outer edge. The head is brown, dark brown, orange, or has yellow or reddish spots. The Ryukyu forest turtle is often found in forests and around water, and prefers moist environments.
What is its personality like?
The Ryukyu forest turtle has a very docile and gentle personality and will not attack, making it suitable as a pet. However, there is a reason why it is difficult to keep as a pet. The reason will be explained later.
What is its ecology like?
The Ryukyu forest turtle lives by eating insects, earthworms, snails, and other plants such as leaves, buds, and fruits. It reproduces by laying eggs. In the wild, it lays 4-6 eggs in June-August. Their lifespan is said to be around 25 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Since the Ryukyu forest turtle is a very small turtle, carnivores are its predators.
Is the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle an endangered species?
The Batagur turtle is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which restricts international trade and further designates it as an endangered species. In Japan, it was designated as a prefectural monument in Okinawa in 1972 and as a national natural monument in 1975, and live specimens are almost never exported for commercial purposes from Japan. The population has drastically decreased due to habitat destruction and reduced prey due to pesticides and herbicides.
Can the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle be kept as a pet?
It is prohibited by law to capture, raise, or sell the Ryukyu black-breasted turtle. Therefore, if you absolutely must do so, you must obtain permission. It is under the protection of the Ministry of the Environment, and as it is an endemic species, it is strictly managed.
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