Cyclemys – Asian leaf turtles

A group of small to medium-sized freshwater turtles found across Southeast Asia, from northeastern India and southern China to Indonesia and the Philippines. These turtles are called “leaf turtles” because their shells closely resemble dead leaves — a clever form of camouflage that helps them blend into the forest floor or the bottom of muddy ponds and streams. Their shells are usually brown, olive, or reddish, often with dark radiating lines or patches that make them look just like a fallen leaf, which is especially useful for hiding from predators in their forested habitats.

There are several species in the Cyclemys genus, and while they look quite similar, researchers have only recently begun to sort out the differences between them. Some of the better-known species include Cyclemys dentata (the Asian leaf turtle), Cyclemys atripons, and Cyclemys oldhamii. Most of these turtles have rounded, slightly domed shells, strong legs, and webbed feet, which make them good swimmers as well as capable walkers on land. One of their coolest features is their ability to completely close their shell, thanks to a hinge on the plastron (the lower part of the shell). This allows them to tuck their head and limbs inside and seal up tight — a great defense mechanism.

Cyclemys turtles are mostly found in quiet, shallow streams, rice paddies, and forest pools. They are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of food including aquatic plants, fruits, snails, insects, and even carrion. Their flexible diet helps them survive in a range of environments, but they prefer areas with clean water and plenty of leaf litter or muddy hiding spots. These turtles are usually active at dawn and dusk, and during rainy seasons, they can be seen moving about more frequently, especially near the edges of water bodies.