One of the largest and most endangered freshwater turtles in the world, found in the rivers, estuaries, and mangrove swamps of South and Southeast Asia. Once widespread from the Ganges delta of India and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, today it survives only in scattered, fragile populations. Its shell is broadly oval and usually dark brown to black, while its head is strong with a blunt snout and powerful jaws made for crushing. But what really sets this turtle apart from many others is its seasonal transformation—during the breeding season, males undergo a dramatic color change, with their heads turning a bright orange to red and their legs turning a deep black, making them one of the most striking turtles on Earth.

This turtle is different from many of its close relatives because of its migratory lifestyle. While some freshwater turtles spend their whole lives in one small pond or river stretch, the Northern river terrapin travels long distances between habitats. It spends much of the year in tidal rivers, mangrove channels, and estuaries, where it feeds on a varied diet of aquatic plants, fruits, mollusks, and small invertebrates—making it an omnivore with flexible habits.

Unlike smaller turtles that can adapt to backyard ponds or rice fields, this species needs large, undisturbed waterways and safe nesting sites to survive. Today, only a handful of conservation programs in places like Bangladesh and India are working to breed and release young terrapins, offering hope that the species might recover if given strong protection.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

2018

India

2018

Myanmar

2018

Possibly Extinct

Thailand

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally