Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle

The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle or Ryukyu leaf turtle, Geoemyda japonica, is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (formerly Bataguridae) endemic to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan.  In 1975, the species was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan.  It grows to about 5–6 inches long.  In captivity, it feeds on worms, snails, insects, and fruit.  Due to its rarity and very attractive appearance, this species is highly sought-after by turtle collectors worldwide.

At first it was considered a subspecies of Geoemyda spengleri, and named Geoemyda spengleri japonica.  It was redescribed as a separate species and given its current binomial name in 1992.

Hybrids between different genera of Geoemydidae are rather commonplace. This species is known to hybridize with Cuora flavomarginata males in captivity and in the wild.Buskirk et al. (2005).

References

Introductione
Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is an  endemic species of turtle in Japan.

Appearance
It grows to about 15.6 cm. It has black and yellow in stomach.

Living areas
It lives in North Okinawa, Kubejima and Tokasikijima. It does not herdine but it spends at the cave and around the cave during winter.

Food and water
It eats leaf, fruit and insect. It is eaten by Ryukyu born.

Repruduction
It borns two babies at once from June and September. Baby is about 3.5 cm.

Threats
It's threats are habitat loss by the development.

Relationship with humans
We cannot export it in Japan.
This species is endangered and is protected.


  Listed as Endangered (EN A1ce, B1+2c)
Buskirk, James R.; Parham, James F. & Feldman, Chris R. (2005): On the hybridisation between two distantly related Asian turtles (Testudines: Sacalia × Mauremys). Salamandra 41: 21-26. PDF fulltext

Other websites
 IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group   » Geoemyda japonica, 002

Category:Animals of Japan
Category:Endangered species
Category:Turtles of Asia