Spiny turtle

The thorny devil of the turtles

Bernard DUPONT

Spiny turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the United States. They get their name because of their unique carapace and small spines all over their edges. Also, the shell is not hard but rubbery and soft. Their feet are fully webbed, which helps the spiny softshell turtle swim since it spends most of its life in the water.

The Spiny turtle’s lifespan is about an average of 50 years. Once adults, they are less threatened by predators, but juvenile turtles often fall prey to predators. Also, the demand for these turtles as pets and food is one of the biggest threats to their ongoing existence in the wild.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Brunei
2018
Indonesia
2018
Kalimantan, Sumatera
Malaysia
2018
Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak
Myanmar
2018
Philippines
2018
Singapore
2018
Thailand
2018

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No