Asian giant softshell turtle: Difference between revisions

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| name =  
| name =  
| image = Pelochelys cantorii.jpg
| image = Pelochelys cantorii.jpg
| status = EN
| status = CR
| status_system = IUCN2.3
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="redlist">{{cite iucn | author =Asian Turtle Trade Working Group | title = ''Pelochelys cantorii '' | volume=2016 | page =e.T16502A97400946  | year =2016 }}</ref><ref name="Rhodin2017">{{cite journal |url=http://images.turtleconservancy.org/documents/2017/crm-7-checklist-atlas-v8-2017.pdf |title=Turtles of the world, 2017 update: Annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status(8th Ed.)|journal=Chelonian Research Monographs |volume=7 |access-date=October 4, 2019|date=August 3, 2017 |last1=Rhodin | first1=Anders G.J. |last2=Inverson |first2=John B. |last3=Roger |first3=Bour |last4=Fritz |first4=Uwe |last5=Georges |first5=Arthur |last6=Shaffer |first6=H. Bradley |last7=van Dijk |first7=Peter Paul |isbn=978-1-5323-5026-9}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Choudhury, B.C. |author2=Das, I. |author2-link=:fr:Indraneil Das |author3=Horne, B.D. |author4=Li, P. |author5=McCormack, T. |author5-link=species:Timothy E.M. McCormack |author6=Praschag, P. |author6-link=species:Peter Praschag |author7=Rao, D.-Q. |author7-link=species:Ding-Qi Rao |author8=Wang, L. |author8-link=species:Li-jun Wang |date=2021 |title=''Pelochelys cantorii'' |volume=2021 |page=e.T135458600A1076984 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T135458600A1076984.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="Rhodin2017">{{cite journal |url=http://images.turtleconservancy.org/documents/2017/crm-7-checklist-atlas-v8-2017.pdf |title=Turtles of the world, 2017 update: Annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status (8th Ed.)|journal=Chelonian Research Monographs |volume=7 |access-date=October 4, 2019|date=August 3, 2017 |last1=Rhodin | first1=Anders G.J. |author1-link=species:Anders G.J. Rhodin |last2=Iverson |first2=John B. |author2-link=species:John B. Iverson |last3=Roger |first3=Bour |author3-link=species:Roger Bour |last4=Fritz |first4=Uwe |author4-link=species:Uwe Fritz |last5=Georges |first5=Arthur |author5-link=species:Arthur Georges |last6=Shaffer |first6=H. Bradley |author6-link=species:H. Bradley Shaffer |last7=van Dijk |first7=Peter Paul |author7-link=species:Peter Paul van Dijk |isbn=978-1-5323-5026-9}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A2
| status2_system = CITES
| status2_ref = <ref name="CITES">{{Cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=2022-01-14|website=cites.org}}</ref>
| genus = Pelochelys
| genus = Pelochelys
| species = cantorii
| species = cantorii
| authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1864<ref name="redlist" /><ref name="Rhodin2017" />
| authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1864<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name="Rhodin2017" />
| synonyms = *''Pelochelys cantorii'' <br>{{small|Gray, 1864}}
| synonyms = *''Pelochelys cantorii'' <br>{{small|Gray, 1864}}
*''Pelochelys cumingii'' <br>{{small|Gray, 1864}}
*''Pelochelys cumingii'' <br>{{small|Gray, 1864}}
Line 16: Line 19:
*''Pelochelys cummingii'' <br>{{small|[[Malcolm Arthur Smith|M.A. Smith]], 1931}} ''([[ex errore]])''
*''Pelochelys cummingii'' <br>{{small|[[Malcolm Arthur Smith|M.A. Smith]], 1931}} ''([[ex errore]])''
*''Pelochelys cantori'' <br>{{small|[[Peter Pritchard|Pritchard]], 1967}} ''(ex errore)''
*''Pelochelys cantori'' <br>{{small|[[Peter Pritchard|Pritchard]], 1967}} ''(ex errore)''
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Fritz07">{{cite journal|journal=Vertebrate Zoology |title=Checklist of Chelonians of the World |year=2007 |first=Uwe |last=Fritz |author2=Havaš, Peter |volume=57 |issue=2 |url=http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5v20ztMND?url=http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf |archive-date=2010-12-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Fritz07">{{cite journal|journal=Vertebrate Zoology |title=Checklist of Chelonians of the World |year=2007 |first=Uwe |last=Fritz |author2=Havaš, Peter |volume=57 |issue=2 |url=http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501060224/http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf |archive-date=2011-05-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
}}


The '''Asian giant softshell turtle''' (''Pelochelys cantorii''),<ref name="redlist" /><ref name="Rhodin2017" /> also known as '''Cantor's giant softshell turtle'''<ref name="Rhodin2017" /> and the '''frog-faced softshell turtle''', is a [[species]] of [[freshwater]] [[turtle]] in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Trionychidae]]. The species is native to [[Southeast Asia]]. It has been considered{{by whom|date=August 2017}}{{clarify|date=August 2017}} to be among the largest extant freshwater turtles. The species is endangered and in the 20th century has disappeared from much of its former range.
The '''Asian giant softshell turtle''' (''Pelochelys cantorii)'',<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name="Rhodin2017" /> also known [[Common name|commonly]] as '''Cantor's giant softshell turtle'''<ref name="Rhodin2017" /> and the '''frog-faced softshell turtle''', is a [[species]] of [[freshwater]] [[turtle]] in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Trionychidae]]. The species is native to [[Southeast Asia]]. The species is critically endangered and in the 20th century has disappeared from much of its former range.


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
The species is not found in [[New Guinea]], while the two other members of the genus ''[[Pelochelys]]'', ''[[New Guinea giant softshell turtle|P. bibroni]]'' and ''[[Pelochelys signifera|P. signifera]]'' are both restricted to New Guinea.<ref name="Rhodin2017" /> ''P. cantorii'' is relatively unstudied, and the current species may actually be composed of several [[taxon|taxa]].<ref name="World" /> One study from 1995<ref name=webb>{{cite journal|last=Webb|first=R. G.|year=1995|title=Redescription and neotype designation of Pelochelys bibroni from southern New Guinea (Testudines: Trionychidae)|journal=Chelonian Conservation and Biology|volume=1|issue=4|pages=301–310}}</ref> showed what was once thought to be ''P. cantorii'' in New Guinea was actually ''P. bibroni'', and the earlier studies<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gray|first=J. E.|author-link=John Edward Gray|year=1864|title=Revision of the species of Trionychidae found in Asia and Africa, with the descriptions of some new species|journal=Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London|volume=1864|pages=76–98}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Boulenger|first=G. A.|author-link=George Albert Boulenger|year=1891|title=XXXI.—On the occurrence of ''Pelochelys'' in China|journal=Journal of Natural History|volume=7|issue=39|pages=283–284|doi=10.1080/00222939109460609|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1430293}}</ref> of ''P. cantorii'' only described populations further to the west.
''P. cantorii'' is not found in [[New Guinea]], while the two other members of the genus ''[[Pelochelys]]'', ''[[New Guinea giant softshell turtle|P. bibroni]]'' and ''[[Pelochelys signifera|P. signifera]]'' are both restricted to New Guinea.<ref name="Rhodin2017" /> ''P. cantorii'' is relatively unstudied, and the current species may actually be composed of several [[taxon|taxa]].<ref name="World" /> One study from 1995<ref name=webb>{{cite journal|last=Webb|first=R.G.|author-link=Robert G. Webb |year=1995|title=Redescription and neotype designation of Pelochelys bibroni from southern New Guinea (Testudines: Trionychidae)|journal=Chelonian Conservation and Biology|volume=1|issue=4|pages=301–310}}</ref> showed that what was once thought to be ''P. cantorii'' in New Guinea was actually ''P. bibroni'', and the earlier studies<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gray|first=J.E.|author-link=John Edward Gray|year=1864|title=Revision of the species of Trionychidae found in Asia and Africa, with the descriptions of some new species|journal=Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London|volume=1864|pages=76–98}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Boulenger|first=G.A.|author-link=George Albert Boulenger|year=1891|title=XXXI.—On the occurrence of ''Pelochelys'' in China|journal=Journal of Natural History|volume=7|issue=39|pages=283–284|doi=10.1080/00222939109460609|url=https://zenodo.org/record/1430293}}</ref> of ''P. cantorii'' only described populations farther to the west.


==Description==
==Description==
The Asian giant softshell turtle has a broad head and small eyes close to the tip of its snout. The [[carapace]] is smooth and olive-colored. Juveniles may have dark-spotted carapaces and heads, with yellow around the carapace.<ref name="World">{{cite book|last1=Ernst|first1=C. H.|last2=Altenburg|first2=R. G. M.|last3=Barbour|first3=R. W.|year=1998|title=Turtles of the world [CD-ROM]}}</ref>
The Asian giant softshell turtle has a broad head, and small eyes close to the tip of its snout. The [[carapace]] is smooth and olive-colored. Juveniles may have dark-spotted carapaces and heads, with yellow around the carapace.<ref name="World">{{cite book|last1=Ernst|first1=C. H.|last2=Altenburg|first2=R. G. M.|last3=Barbour|first3=R. W.|year=1998|title=Turtles of the world [CD-ROM]}}</ref>


Despite reports that it can grow up to {{convert|1.8|m|ft}} in length and is the world's largest extant freshwater turtle, this maximum size and title is murky at best.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517074755.htm|title=Rare Soft Shell Turtle, Nesting Ground Found in Cambodia|website=ScienceDaily|date=19 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="Mydans">{{cite news|title=How to Survive in Cambodia: For a Turtle, Beneath Sand|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/18/world/asia/18turtles.html|newspaper=New York Times|date=18 May 2007|author=Mydans, Seth}}</ref> Apparently the largest specimen carapace length, {{convert|129|cm|in|abbr=on}}, known is considered suspect and the heaviest specimen known (weighing approximately {{convert|250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} was actually a misidentified [[Yangtze giant softshell turtle]].<ref>{{cite book|last=De Rooij|first=N.|author-link=Nelly de Rooij|year=1915|title=The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago|publisher=A. Asher}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Pritchard|first=P.C.|author-link=Peter Pritchard|year=2005|title=Survival status and prospects for Rafetus swinhoei (Chelonia: Trionychidae)|journal=2005 Turtle Survival Alliance Annual Conference Proceedings|pages=19–22}}</ref> A more realistic range of carapace length for this species is reportedly {{convert|70|to|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} and it is one of about a half-dozen giant softshell turtles from three genera that reach exceptionally large sizes, i.e. in excess of {{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in mass.<ref>{{cite book|last=Das|first=I.|author-link=:fr:Indraneil Das|year=2010|chapter=''Pelochelys cantorii'' Gray 1864- Asian Giant Softshell Turtle|editor=Iverson, J. B. |editor2=Mittermeier, R. A.|title=Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group|series=Chelonian Research Monographs|volume=5}}</ref>
Despite reports that it can grow up to {{convert|1.8|m|ft}} in length and is the world's largest extant freshwater turtle, this maximum size and title is murky at best.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070517074755.htm|title=Rare Soft Shell Turtle, Nesting Ground Found in Cambodia|website=ScienceDaily|date=19 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="Mydans">{{cite news|title=How to Survive in Cambodia: For a Turtle, Beneath Sand|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/18/world/asia/18turtles.html|newspaper=New York Times|date=18 May 2007|author=Mydans, Seth}}</ref> Apparently the largest specimen carapace length, {{convert|129|cm|in|abbr=on}}, known is considered suspect and the heaviest specimen known (weighing approximately {{convert|250|kg|lb|abbr=on}} was actually a misidentified [[Yangtze giant softshell turtle]].<ref>{{cite book|last=De Rooij|first=N.|author-link=Nelly de Rooij|year=1915|title=The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago|publisher=A. Asher}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Pritchard|first=P.C.|author-link=Peter Pritchard|year=2005|title=Survival status and prospects for Rafetus swinhoei (Chelonia: Trionychidae)|journal=2005 Turtle Survival Alliance Annual Conference Proceedings|pages=19–22}}</ref> A more realistic range of carapace length for this species is reportedly {{convert|70|to|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} and it is one of about a half-dozen giant softshell turtles from three genera that reach exceptionally large sizes, i.e. in excess of {{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in mass.<ref>{{cite book|last=Das|first=I.|year=2010|chapter=''Pelochelys cantorii'' Gray 1864- Asian Giant Softshell Turtle|editor=Iverson, J. B. |editor2=Mittermeier, R. A.|title=Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group|series=Chelonian Research Monographs|volume=5}}</ref>


The species is an [[ambush predator]] and primarily [[carnivore|carnivorous]], feeding on [[crustacean]]s, [[Mollusca|mollusks]] and fish (although some aquatic plants may also be eaten).<ref name="World" /> The turtle spends 95% of its life buried and motionless, with only its eyes and mouth protruding from the sand. It surfaces only twice a day to take a breath, and lays 20–28 eggs sized around {{convert|3.0|to|3.6|cm|in}} in diameter in February or March on riverbanks.<ref name="World" /><ref name="Mydans" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Das|first=I.|year=1985|title=Indian Turtles, a Field Guide|publisher=World Wildlife Fund--India (Eastern Region)|location=Calcutta}}</ref>
==Behavior and reproduction==
''P. cantorii'' is an [[ambush predator]] and primarily [[carnivore|carnivorous]], feeding on [[crustacean]]s, [[Mollusca|mollusks]] and fish (although some aquatic plants may also be eaten).<ref name="World" /> The turtle spends 95% of its life buried and motionless, with only its eyes and mouth protruding from the sand. It surfaces only twice a day to take a breath, and lays 20–28 eggs sized around {{convert|3.0|to|3.6|cm|in}} in diameter in February or March on riverbanks.<ref name="World" /><ref name="Mydans" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Das|first=I.|year=1985|title=Indian Turtles, a Field Guide|publisher=World Wildlife Fund--India (Eastern Region)|location=Calcutta}}</ref>


Morphological differences in neural bone count have been noted between specimens found in the Philippines and mainland Asia.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc=3591760 | pmid=23653519 | doi=10.3897/zookeys.266.3982 | title=The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range | year=2013 | journal=ZooKeys | pages=1–120 | last1 = Brown | first1 = RM | last2 = Siler | first2 = CD | last3 = Oliveros | first3 = CH | last4 = Welton | first4 = LJ | last5 = Rock | first5 = A | last6 = Swab | first6 = J | last7 = Weerd | first7 = MV | last8 = van Beijnen | first8 = J | last9 = Jose | first9 = E | last10 = Rodriguez | first10 = D | last11 = Jose | first11 = E | last12 = Diesmos | first12 = AC | issue=266}}</ref>
==Morphological variation==
[[File:Asian Giant Softshell Turtle at Philippine National Museum.jpg|thumb|Asian giant softshell turtle at the [[National Museum of the Philippines|Philippine National Museum]]]]
 
Morphological differences in neural bone count have been noted between specimens of ''P. cantorii'' found in the Philippines and specimens found in mainland Asia.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc=3591760 | pmid=23653519 | doi=10.3897/zookeys.266.3982 | title=The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range | year=2013 | journal=ZooKeys | pages=1–120 | last1 = Brown | first1 = Rafe M. | author1-link=:fr:Rafe Marion Brown | last2 = Siler | first2 = Cameron D. | last3 = Oliveros | first3 = Carl H. | author3-link=species:Carl H. Oliveros | last4 = Welton | first4 = Luke J. | author4-link=species:Luke J. Welton |last5 = Rock | first5 = Ashley | last6 = Swab | first6 = John | last7 = Van Weerd | first7 = Merlijn | author7-link=species:Merlijn Van Weerd | last8 = van Beijnen | first8 = Jonah | last9 = Jose | first9 = Edgar | last10 = Rodriguez | first10 = Dominic | last11 = Jose | first11 = Edmund | last12 = Diesmos | first12 = Arvin C. | author12-link=:fr:Arvin Cantor Diesmos | issue=266| doi-access=free }}</ref>


The species is named after Danish zoologist [[Theodore Edward Cantor]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Beolens|first1=Bo|last2=Watkins|first2=Michael|last3=Grayson|first3=Michael|year=2011|title=The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles|location=Baltimore|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=978-1-4214-0135-5|page=47}}</ref>
==Etymology==
The [[Specific name (zoology)|specific name]], ''cantorii'', is in honor of Danish zoologist [[Theodore Edward Cantor]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Beolens|first1=Bo|author1-link=species:Bo Beolens|last2=Watkins|first2=Michael|last3=Grayson|first3=Michael|year=2011|title=The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles|location=Baltimore|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|isbn=978-1-4214-0135-5|page=47}}</ref>


==Distribution and habitat==
==Geographic range and habitat==
The species ''P. cantorii'' is primarily found in inland, slow-moving, freshwater rivers and streams. Some evidence indicates that its range extends to coastal areas, as well.<ref name="World" /> It occurs in eastern and southern [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Burma]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Laos]], [[Cambodia]], [[Vietnam]], eastern and southern [[China]], the [[Philippines]] ([[Luzon]] and [[Mindanao]]), and [[Indonesia]] ([[Kalimantan]], [[Java]], and [[Sumatra]]).<ref name="Rhodin2017" />
The species ''P. cantorii'' is primarily found in inland, slow-moving, freshwater rivers and streams. Some evidence indicates that its range extends to coastal areas, as well.<ref name="World" /> It occurs in eastern and southern [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Burma]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], [[Laos]], [[Cambodia]], [[Vietnam]], eastern and southern [[China]], the [[Philippines]] ([[Luzon]] and [[Mindanao]]), and [[Indonesia]] ([[Kalimantan]], [[Java]], and [[Sumatra]]).<ref name="Rhodin2017" />


==Conservation==
==Conservation==
The Asian giant softshell turtle is classified as [[endangered species|Endangered]] by the [[IUCN]] and has been forced out through habitat destruction, disappearing from much of its range.<ref name="IUCN">https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/16502/97400946</ref> Prior to 2007, it was last seen in Cambodia in 2003. A 2007 survey of one area of the [[Mekong River]] in Cambodia found the turtle in abundance along a {{convert|48|km|mi}} stretch of the river.<ref name="Mydans" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Munthit|first=K.|title=Rare Turtle's New Chance|newspaper=Associated Press|date=16 May 2007}}</ref>
The Asian giant softshell turtle is classified as a [[critically endangered species|Critically Endangered]] by the [[IUCN]] and has been forced out through habitat destruction, disappearing from much of its range.<ref name="IUCN">{{Cite web|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/16502/97400946|title = IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pelochelys cantorii|date = 30 June 2000}}</ref> Prior to 2007, it was last seen in Cambodia in 2003. A 2007 survey of one area of the [[Mekong River]] in Cambodia found the turtle in abundance along a {{convert|48|km|mi}} stretch of the river.<ref name="Mydans" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Munthit|first=K.|title=Rare Turtle's New Chance|newspaper=Associated Press|date=16 May 2007}}</ref>
 
In the Philippines, a juvenile Cantor's turtle known as “cagot" appeared and was captured by a fisherman along the Addalam River, [[Cabarroguis]], [[Quirino]], [[Isabela (province)|Isabela]]. In 2001, this turtle was sent to [[Chicago]] and its identity confirmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/105818/After-seven-years-rare-soft-shelled-turtle-resurfaces-in-Quirino-Province|title=After seven years, rare soft-shelled turtle resurfaces in Quirino Province|author=Taguinod, Floro C.|website=GMA News Online}}</ref> The reptile has been evaluated as an [[EDGE species]] by the [[Zoological Society of London]].<ref>http://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/cantors-giant-softshell/</ref>


[[File:Asian Giant Softshell Turtle at Philippine National Museum.jpg|thumb|Asian giant softshell turtle at the [[National Museum of the Philippines|Philippine National Museum]]]]
In the Philippines, a juvenile Cantor's turtle known as “cagot" appeared and was captured by a fisherman along the Addalam River, [[Cabarroguis]], [[Quirino]], [[Isabela (province)|Isabela]]. In 2001, this turtle was sent to [[Chicago]] and its identity confirmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/105818/After-seven-years-rare-soft-shelled-turtle-resurfaces-in-Quirino-Province|title=After seven years, rare soft-shelled turtle resurfaces in Quirino Province|author=Taguinod, Floro C.|website=GMA News Online}}</ref> The reptile has been evaluated as an [[EDGE species]] by the [[Zoological Society of London]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/cantors-giant-softshell/|title=Cantor's Giant Softshell}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==

Latest revision as of 08:14, 21 June 2022


For other species with similar names, see Giant softshell turtle.

Asian giant softshell turtle
Pelochelys cantorii.jpg
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[3]
Scientific classification edit
: [[Template:Taxonomy/Pelochelys]]
Species:
Template:Taxonomy/PelochelysP. cantorii
Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/PelochelysPelochelys cantorii
Synonyms[4]
  • Pelochelys cantorii
    Gray, 1864
  • Pelochelys cumingii
    Gray, 1864
  • Pelochelys cantoris
    Boulenger, 1889
  • Pelochelys poljakowii
    Strauch, 1890
  • Pelochelys cummingii
    M.A. Smith, 1931 (ex errore)
  • Pelochelys cantori
    Pritchard, 1967 (ex errore)

The Asian giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii),[1][2] also known commonly as Cantor's giant softshell turtle[2] and the frog-faced softshell turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to Southeast Asia. The species is critically endangered and in the 20th century has disappeared from much of its former range.

Taxonomy[edit]

P. cantorii is not found in New Guinea, while the two other members of the genus Pelochelys, P. bibroni and P. signifera are both restricted to New Guinea.[2] P. cantorii is relatively unstudied, and the current species may actually be composed of several taxa.[5] One study from 1995[6] showed that what was once thought to be P. cantorii in New Guinea was actually P. bibroni, and the earlier studies[7][8] of P. cantorii only described populations farther to the west.

Description[edit]

The Asian giant softshell turtle has a broad head, and small eyes close to the tip of its snout. The carapace is smooth and olive-colored. Juveniles may have dark-spotted carapaces and heads, with yellow around the carapace.[5]

Despite reports that it can grow up to 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) in length and is the world's largest extant freshwater turtle, this maximum size and title is murky at best.[9][10] Apparently the largest specimen carapace length, 129 cm (51 in), known is considered suspect and the heaviest specimen known (weighing approximately 250 kg (550 lb) was actually a misidentified Yangtze giant softshell turtle.[11][12] A more realistic range of carapace length for this species is reportedly 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39 in) and it is one of about a half-dozen giant softshell turtles from three genera that reach exceptionally large sizes, i.e. in excess of 100 kg (220 lb) in mass.[13]

Behavior and reproduction[edit]

P. cantorii is an ambush predator and primarily carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, mollusks and fish (although some aquatic plants may also be eaten).[5] The turtle spends 95% of its life buried and motionless, with only its eyes and mouth protruding from the sand. It surfaces only twice a day to take a breath, and lays 20–28 eggs sized around 3.0 to 3.6 centimetres (1.2 to 1.4 in) in diameter in February or March on riverbanks.[5][10][14]

Morphological variation[edit]

Asian giant softshell turtle at the Philippine National Museum

Morphological differences in neural bone count have been noted between specimens of P. cantorii found in the Philippines and specimens found in mainland Asia.[15]

Etymology[edit]

The specific name, cantorii, is in honor of Danish zoologist Theodore Edward Cantor.[16]

Geographic range and habitat[edit]

The species P. cantorii is primarily found in inland, slow-moving, freshwater rivers and streams. Some evidence indicates that its range extends to coastal areas, as well.[5] It occurs in eastern and southern India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, eastern and southern China, the Philippines (Luzon and Mindanao), and Indonesia (Kalimantan, Java, and Sumatra).[2]

Conservation[edit]

The Asian giant softshell turtle is classified as a Critically Endangered by the IUCN and has been forced out through habitat destruction, disappearing from much of its range.[17] Prior to 2007, it was last seen in Cambodia in 2003. A 2007 survey of one area of the Mekong River in Cambodia found the turtle in abundance along a 48 kilometres (30 mi) stretch of the river.[10][18]

In the Philippines, a juvenile Cantor's turtle known as “cagot" appeared and was captured by a fisherman along the Addalam River, Cabarroguis, Quirino, Isabela. In 2001, this turtle was sent to Chicago and its identity confirmed.[19] The reptile has been evaluated as an EDGE species by the Zoological Society of London.[20]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Choudhury, B.C.; Das, I. [in français]; Horne, B.D.; Li, P.; McCormack, T.; Praschag, P.; Rao, D.-Q.; Wang, L. (2021). "Pelochelys cantorii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T135458600A1076984. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T135458600A1076984.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Rhodin, Anders G.J.; Iverson, John B.; Roger, Bour; Fritz, Uwe; Georges, Arthur; Shaffer, H. Bradley; van Dijk, Peter Paul (August 3, 2017). "Turtles of the world, 2017 update: Annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status (8th Ed.)" (PDF). Chelonian Research Monographs. 7. ISBN 978-1-5323-5026-9. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  4. ↑ Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World" (PDF). Vertebrate Zoology. 57 (2). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-01.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Ernst, C. H.; Altenburg, R. G. M.; Barbour, R. W. (1998). Turtles of the world [CD-ROM].
  6. ↑ Webb, R.G. (1995). "Redescription and neotype designation of Pelochelys bibroni from southern New Guinea (Testudines: Trionychidae)". Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 1 (4): 301–310.
  7. ↑ Gray, J.E. (1864). "Revision of the species of Trionychidae found in Asia and Africa, with the descriptions of some new species". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. 1864: 76–98.
  8. ↑ Boulenger, G.A. (1891). "XXXI.—On the occurrence of Pelochelys in China". Journal of Natural History. 7 (39): 283–284. doi:10.1080/00222939109460609.
  9. ↑ "Rare Soft Shell Turtle, Nesting Ground Found in Cambodia". ScienceDaily. 19 May 2007.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Mydans, Seth (18 May 2007). "How to Survive in Cambodia: For a Turtle, Beneath Sand". New York Times.
  11. ↑ De Rooij, N. (1915). The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. A. Asher.
  12. ↑ Pritchard, P.C. (2005). "Survival status and prospects for Rafetus swinhoei (Chelonia: Trionychidae)". 2005 Turtle Survival Alliance Annual Conference Proceedings: 19–22.
  13. ↑ Das, I. (2010). "Pelochelys cantorii Gray 1864- Asian Giant Softshell Turtle". In Iverson, J. B.; Mittermeier, R. A. (eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs. Vol. 5.
  14. ↑ Das, I. (1985). Indian Turtles, a Field Guide. Calcutta: World Wildlife Fund--India (Eastern Region).
  15. ↑ Brown, Rafe M. [in français]; Siler, Cameron D.; Oliveros, Carl H.; Welton, Luke J.; Rock, Ashley; Swab, John; Van Weerd, Merlijn; van Beijnen, Jonah; Jose, Edgar; Rodriguez, Dominic; Jose, Edmund; Diesmos, Arvin C. [in français] (2013). "The amphibians and reptiles of Luzon Island, Philippines, VIII: the herpetofauna of Cagayan and Isabela Provinces, northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range". ZooKeys (266): 1–120. doi:10.3897/zookeys.266.3982. PMC 3591760. PMID 23653519.
  16. ↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 47. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
  17. ↑ "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pelochelys cantorii". 30 June 2000.
  18. ↑ Munthit, K. (16 May 2007). "Rare Turtle's New Chance". Associated Press.
  19. ↑ Taguinod, Floro C. "After seven years, rare soft-shelled turtle resurfaces in Quirino Province". GMA News Online.
  20. ↑ "Cantor's Giant Softshell".

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Template:Trionychidae

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