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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Malayan Box Terrapin
   


 The carapace is rounded and strongly domed.
 

Close-up of adult at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore.

Family : GEOEMYDIDAE
Species : Cuora amboinensis kamaroma
Maximum Carapace Length : 25 cm

References : H1, H3

The Malayan Box Terrapin inhabits lowland lakes, swamps and other water bodies. It feeds on vegetation, fallen fruits and soft invertebrates such as worms and slugs.

The plastron (the bony plates on the underside) have a hinge-line which allows the entire animal to withdraw inside the fully closed shell. The species is best identified by the arrangement of the yellow striped lines on the head.

 
 

Dorsal view showing the hinge in the plastron

The subspecies shown here ranges from Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Borneo. There are two other subspecies, C.a.amboinensis and C.a.couro, which inhabit the islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. Feral populations are common, as a result of deliberate release by Buddhists seeking good luck or 'merit'.