One of the most distinctive features of the Burmese roofed turtle is its shell, which is strongly keeled, giving it a roof-like appearance—hence the name “roofed turtle.” The shell is typically dark, with three prominent ridges or keels running along its length, and it has a somewhat angular shape, making it easy to distinguish from other turtles. The underside of the shell, or plastron, is usually light-colored with dark blotches.

Historically, the Burmese roofed turtle was found throughout the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River system in Myanmar, but its numbers have dwindled dramatically due to several threats. Habitat destruction, especially due to gold mining and agricultural expansion, has significantly altered their natural environments. Additionally, the illegal pet trade and consumption of their eggs and meat have pushed them to the brink of extinction.

Conservation efforts for the Burmese roofed turtle have been a priority in recent years. Captive breeding programs, particularly those initiated by local and international conservation groups, have been crucial. These programs involve collecting eggs from the wild and raising hatchlings in secure facilities to safeguard them from predators and human interference, thus increasing their chances of survival.

One of the most heartening aspects of these conservation efforts is the success in increasing their numbers. From a situation where they were once thought to be nearly extinct, these initiatives have managed to rejuvenate populations to some extent, allowing for cautious optimism about their future.

A fun fact about the Burmese roofed turtle is its unusual breeding behavior. Unlike many other turtle species that lay their eggs on sandy beaches, the Burmese roofed turtle often lays its eggs on floating vegetation or debris, which can be quite precarious. This unusual choice reflects their adaptation to the dynamic river environments where water levels and flow rates can change rapidly.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Myanmar

<10

Official estimate

CR

2018