Jburokas, mDNA, geographical isolation and morphological differences would all be considered for determination in categorising a subspecies. More and more we see these same factors determining rank as a species, especially slight morphological differences (i.e. scale counts).



Wayne, yes it will be interesting how everything comes out. There will be some opposition to this. Not everyone agrees, just like there is still an ongoing debate on whether V. kordensis is valid or is really V. prasinus kordensis. Some other work being done is mDNA analysis on the V. prasinus Complex.



We have 5 species of softshell turtles in Thailand: Amyda cartilaginea, Dogania subplana, Chitra chitra, Pelochelys cantorii and the introduced (escaped from farms and established) Pelodiscus sinensis. Since the water is rarely ever clear anywhere, they are difficult to spot. I often have people bringing me wild turtles to relocate, fearing someone poor will collect them as food.



Cheers,

Michael

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