The climbing ability of the Big-headed turtle should not be underestimated. The bridge between their carapace and plastron is somewhat reduced, allowing the turtle a large range of motion with its feet. The heavy head of P. megacephalum places the turtle's center of gravity well forward compared to other turtles. This shift, coupled with the wide range of motion in its legs, allows the turtle to climb over anything it can reach with its claws. As noted previously, they are capable of using their tail as a prop, greatly extending their reach.
Reports indicate that they also use their beaks in climbing.
Given all these adaptations, it is not surprising that Big-headed turtles have been reported to climb trees and bushes. Their surprising climbing ability is reminiscent of that of Pancake tortoises , as are a number of the Big-headed turtle's habits and some features of its anatomy. Captive maintenance of P. megacephalum requires consideration of their normal ecological niche and the adaptations they have made to their environment. Their climbing abilities must be considered when designing the land area. If possible, the top of the enclosure should be screened to prevent escapes.