T his turtle has long been hunted for its meat and is now scarce throughout much of its range. Although protected to some degree by conservation laws, there is still concern for its future. A smooth-shelled turtle, it has a relatively small head with a pointed, projecting snout and large nostrils.
Males have a golden-yellow patch on the head, but the females and juveniles have grayish heads.
On land this turtle is awkward, but it swims well and is able to stay submerged for long periods. Aquatic vegetation is its main food source. It nests in the flood season and lays its 6 to 16 eggs in mud near the water's edge. The Evergreen Project, Inc.