Living the High Life

Big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) are native to the beautiful fresh streams of Southeast Asia. They’re the mountain hermits of the turtle world, preferring secluded life in high-altitude forests. 

@newquayzoo Please do not disturb #bigheadedturtle #mondaymood #turtlesoftiktok #newquayzoo ♬ hendriksvibes – hendriksvibes

Not Your Average Turtle

The big-headed turtle is carnivorous, using its powerful jaws to snack on snails, insects, and sometimes even small fish. Its long, snake-like tail—almost as long as its body—aids in swimming and balancing while navigating rocky streambeds. This turtle is an agile climber, too, using its sharp claws to scale steep, rocky terrain. 

Conservation Status

Sadly, the big-headed turtle’s unique qualities make it a target for the illegal pet trade, and its habitat is rapidly shrinking due to deforestation, pollution, and dam construction. Classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, this turtle’s survival hangs in a delicate balance. Conservation efforts are underway, but they’re racing against the clock to ensure this peculiar turtle doesn’t become a footnote in natural history.

@bite.size.knowledge Rare Turtle #turtlesoftiktok #turtles #iliketurtles #animalsoftiktok #wildlife #animalfriends #naturevibes ♬ original sound – BiteSizeKnowledge

The post The Big-Headed Turtle Is One Of The Rarest Creatures In The World appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZSL London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo)

This was a big event as the species’ population has been in a rapid decline in recent decades due to overexploitation. The big-headed turtle, native to China and Southeast Asia, is hunted for its meat and is often used in the pet trade. It is officially listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Two female and two male big-headed turtles arrived at the London Zoo three years ago after being rescued from smugglers. They were first kept apart due to their territorial nature but grew closer over time with the help of zookeepers and formed pairs. The connection of one pair produced eggs, and three baby turtles hatched in October.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZSL London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo)

According to ZSL London Zoo, all three babies are healthy and progressing well.

“We knew we had the expertise at ZSL London Zoo to give this solitary species the specialist care they individually needed, and we’re pleased that this dedicated work has paid off with these three hatchlings,” said zookeeper Kimberley Carter via Metro UK.

The big-headed turtle is usually found around and in rivers and fast streams. The species is characterized by its inability to pull its head into the shell compared to most other turtles. However, it has head armor and powerful jaws that it uses to defend itself from predators.

The post London Zoo Welcomes 3 Critically Endangered Big-Headed Turtle Babies appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.

Living the High Life

Big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) are native to the beautiful fresh streams of Southeast Asia. They’re the mountain hermits of the turtle world, preferring secluded life in high-altitude forests. 

@newquayzoo Please do not disturb #bigheadedturtle #mondaymood #turtlesoftiktok #newquayzoo ♬ hendriksvibes – hendriksvibes

Not Your Average Turtle

The big-headed turtle is carnivorous, using its powerful jaws to snack on snails, insects, and sometimes even small fish. Its long, snake-like tail—almost as long as its body—aids in swimming and balancing while navigating rocky streambeds. This turtle is an agile climber, too, using its sharp claws to scale steep, rocky terrain. 

Conservation Status

Sadly, the big-headed turtle’s unique qualities make it a target for the illegal pet trade, and its habitat is rapidly shrinking due to deforestation, pollution, and dam construction. Classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, this turtle’s survival hangs in a delicate balance. Conservation efforts are underway, but they’re racing against the clock to ensure this peculiar turtle doesn’t become a footnote in natural history.

@bite.size.knowledge Rare Turtle #turtlesoftiktok #turtles #iliketurtles #animalsoftiktok #wildlife #animalfriends #naturevibes ♬ original sound – BiteSizeKnowledge

The post The Big-Headed Turtle Is One Of The Rarest Creatures In The World appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZSL London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo)

This was a big event as the species’ population has been in a rapid decline in recent decades due to overexploitation. The big-headed turtle, native to China and Southeast Asia, is hunted for its meat and is often used in the pet trade. It is officially listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List.

Two female and two male big-headed turtles arrived at the London Zoo three years ago after being rescued from smugglers. They were first kept apart due to their territorial nature but grew closer over time with the help of zookeepers and formed pairs. The connection of one pair produced eggs, and three baby turtles hatched in October.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZSL London Zoo (@zsllondonzoo)

According to ZSL London Zoo, all three babies are healthy and progressing well.

“We knew we had the expertise at ZSL London Zoo to give this solitary species the specialist care they individually needed, and we’re pleased that this dedicated work has paid off with these three hatchlings,” said zookeeper Kimberley Carter via Metro UK.

The big-headed turtle is usually found around and in rivers and fast streams. The species is characterized by its inability to pull its head into the shell compared to most other turtles. However, it has head armor and powerful jaws that it uses to defend itself from predators.

The post London Zoo Welcomes 3 Critically Endangered Big-Headed Turtle Babies appeared first on Our Funny Little Site.