Its inability to excrete excess salt from its body is a trait that confines it strictly to freshwater environments. This physiological limitation means that painted terrapins must inhabit rivers, lakes, and swamps, where salinity is not a concern, and are naturally found in the verdant wetlands of countries such as Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Despite their name, which might suggest a vibrant display, painted terrapins generally exhibit a more subdued coloration for most of the year. Their shells are typically a muted blend of grey and brown hues, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings to avoid predators. Only during the breeding season do the males undergo a remarkable transformation. In a display designed to attract mates, they develop a striking bright red and sometimes even blue stripe on their heads, making them one of the more visually dramatic species during this time.

The global trade of the painted terrapin has contributed to its spread far beyond its native habitats, often to keep them as exotic pets. This trade, coupled with rapid habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and the development of waterways, has led to a drastic reduction in their numbers in the wild. As a result, the IUCN has classified the species as Critically Endangered.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2018

Indonesia

2018

Kalimantan, Sumatera

Malaysia

2018

Peninsular Malaysia

Thailand

2018