Platysternidae is a family of turtles containing a single living species, the big-headed turtle, Platysternon megacephalum, found in Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The species is named for its disproportionately large head, which it cannot withdraw into its shell, and it defends itself instead with an armored head and a sharp beak. Big-headed turtles inhabit fast-flowing streams and waterfalls in rocky areas, are not strong swimmers, and readily climb over obstacles using the tail as a prop; the species is listed as Critically Endangered.
Facts
Classification
Living or Extinct Taxonomic Rank In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Yunnan, found in there.
Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ3400043, descriptionView the Source 2. Wikipedia: Big-headed turtle
WikipediaIntroductionQuote, Introduction
The big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) is a species of turtle in the family Platysternidae from Southeast Asia and southern China.
View the Source Wikidata: Platysternidae
Wikidata Q754035, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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