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    Manouria

    Hunting, illegal trade, and deforestation have made them increasingly rare

    One of the most intriguing groups of tortoises, and it stands out because its members live in places where you wouldn’t normally expect to find tortoises—humid forests and hilly jungles of South and Southeast Asia. Unlike the classic image of tortoises trudging slowly through deserts or grasslands, Manouria species thrive in damp, shaded, and muddy environments, making them some of the most unusual tortoises in the world. Currently, the genus includes two recognized species: the Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys), the largest tortoise on mainland Asia, and the impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa), a smaller, golden-brown tortoise known for its beautifully sculpted shell. Both species share traits that set them apart from other tortoise groups, such as their forest-dwelling habits, rugged shells, and unusual nesting behaviors.

    One of the biggest distinctions of Manouria tortoises is their unique reproduction strategy. Most tortoises lay eggs in a shallow pit and abandon them, leaving survival entirely up to chance. But Manouria females are different—they build large nest mounds made of soil, leaves, and forest debris. After laying their eggs, the mothers often stay near the nest to guard it, something almost unheard of in tortoises. This rare example of parental care makes Manouria special among reptiles, giving their young a slightly better chance of survival in the wild.

    Another fascinating trait is their diet and forest role. While many tortoises are strict grazers, feeding mainly on grass, Manouria species are opportunistic omnivores. When available, they munch on leaves, mushrooms, fruit, and even carrion. Eating fruit and dispersing seeds in their droppings act as necessary “gardeners of the forest,” helping plants regenerate. Their strong, elephant-like legs and sturdy shells make them well-suited for moving through thick undergrowth and muddy terrain, where most other tortoises would struggle. This lifestyle makes them very different from their desert-dwelling cousins like the African spurred tortoise or the Galápagos giants, showing how diverse tortoises can be.