One of the rarest and most striking turtles in the world, found only in a small area of central China. Its name comes from the vivid yellow or golden color on its head, which sets it apart from other box turtles that usually have darker or more mottled faces. The contrast between the bright head and its dark brown shell makes it easy to recognize and gives it an exceptional beauty. Like other box turtles, it has a high, domed shell and a hinged plastron (the bottom part of the shell) that allows it to close itself up completely when threatened, hiding its head, legs, and tail inside like a living treasure chest.

The Yellow-headed box turtle is semi-aquatic, meaning it spends time in water and on land. Unlike some box turtles that prefer drier forests or grasslands, this turtle favors wetlands, streams, and rice paddies. It forages in shallow water and along muddy banks, looking for a wide variety of food. It is an omnivore, eating snails, insects, worms, small fish, fruits, leafy plants, and even fallen berries. This mixed diet helps it adapt to changing conditions in its limited habitat. Its behavior is generally quiet and cautious—these turtles are more likely to retreat into their shells than to fight or flee when startled. Their hinged shell is one of the best defenses in the turtle world, making them nearly impossible for most predators to open once locked inside.

What also makes this turtle unique is its rarity and conservation story. Unlike its more widespread cousins, the Yellow-headed box turtle lives only in Anhui Province in China, and its entire global population is very small. Habitat loss, pollution, and collection for the pet trade have all placed heavy pressure on the species, and today it is listed as Critically Endangered.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

China

CR

2000

Possibly extinct