Reptile & Amphibian Forums

this is a turtle that was given to a small aquatics pet shop in taipei, taiwan after its owner couldn't keep it anymore. we can't figure out what kind it is, please help us out so we can find it a suitable home! thanks!
length of the shell is approx 20cm (8in)

The turtle is a Cyclemys - a leaf turtle. The coloration and patterning resemble the stripe-necked leaf turtle, Cyclemys tcheponensis. However, without seeing the underside of the shell and throat, one can't be certain that it isn't a variant of Cyclemys dentata/oldhamii (another species frequently available in southeast Asia).

Leaf turtle adults are semi-aquatic. Adults like enough water to submerge in, but they don't have to have deep water. Provide enough water to cover the turtle's shell and have the water slope up to ample dry space, as these turtles like to roam on land as well. They're mostly vegetarian in diet. Captives tend to develop strong "personalities" when they are properly cared for and can thus make good pets. Best of luck with your acquisition.

thanks so much for your help!
we have found a possible home with a friend whose backyard has an artifical waterfall and ponds from a natural spring water source (located at the foot of a mountain, temp is from 15-20deg C). there are two koi ponds (with giant foot-long kois), of which the deepest is around 4 feet. the two ponds are separated by a shallow strip of walkway with stepping stones, and the depth of the strip is around 3 inches, and all around is a normal yard, grass, shrubbery, trees, etc. do you think this could be a suitable environment for the leaf turtle? is the water depth okay considering it can still climb onto land through the walkway? would it be aggressive towards the koi?
any suggestions would be great, thank you so much!

sincerely,
elisa lin

Please note that this animal also appears to be suffering from a the effects of poor diet and poor lighting. I have seen many cases like this (with the shell deformed and the puffy skin around the limbs) Most often it is from diets that are VERY high in protein, lack of UVB lighting and overfeeding.

An outside arrangement where the creature could get natural sunlight and a good varied diet will be beneficial to helping this animal have a better quality life. The damage that is already there is most likely irreversible but at least it can be kept from getting any worse.

Steve

We took the turtle to a reptile vet, who said that despite his appearance, he seems to be in good health. He also said that the excess fat may be due to the fact that his prior environment might have been too cold, causing him to prep for hybernation. The turtle hasn't eaten or pooped since we've had him (for around 10 days), and we're still trying different foods, however, he's curious and active right now, hopefully we can release him into the yard soon.