Southeast Asian Box Turtle
Cuora amboinensis
Natural Habitat
Unlike American box turtles, Asian Box Turtles are semi-aquatic. They live in lowland water bodies with soft bottoms, such as marshes, swamps, rice paddies, and shallow ponds.
Where I'm Found
Widespread across Southeast Asia. Their range includes Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where they inhabit rice paddies and warm streams.
What I Eat
These turtles are omnivorous and feed both in the water and on land.
- Wild: Aquatic plants, fallen fruits, fungi, insects, small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
- Zoo: Commercial aquatic turtle pellets, leafy greens (collard, dandelion), insects (crickets, worms), and occasional fruit treats.
How Long I Live
- Wild: 25 – 30 years
- Captivity: 30 – 40+ years
Fun Facts
- The “Box” Hinge: Like American box turtles, they have a hinged plastron (bottom shell) that allows them to pull their head and limbs inside and close the shell completely tight for protection.
- Aquatic Ability: While they look like tortoises, they are actually strong swimmers and will flee into the water when threatened.
- Vulnerability: They are arguably the most heavily trafficked turtle in the world for the food and traditional medicine markets in Asia.
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