Wildlifeof China
Keeled Box Turtle
Tortoises & Freshwater Turtles
Photo: (c) rohanmenzies, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC-BY
Cuora mouhotii
Basic stats
Range
China (Hainan, Yunnan), Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, north-east India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Laos
Clutch size
Average 4 eggs, two clutches in a season
Size
Average carapace 15–17cm
The keeled box turtle occurs in Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, India, Laos and Vietnam, and also in Bhutan and Thailand. In one survey males and females averaged a straight carapace length of about 15–17cm, and the plastron ranges from light to dark brown. The upper jaw is strong and the snout short and curved, and the partially webbed feet suggest a more terrestrial lifestyle than other box turtles (The Reptile Database; Wikipedia, general species account).
The breeding season is May to September; the average clutch is four smooth white eggs about 4.4cm long, and females typically lay two clutches in a breeding season. The turtle does not care for its young. Males and females can be told apart by eye colour (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- Where is the Keeled Box Turtle found?
- China (Hainan, Yunnan), Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, north-east India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Laos
- How many eggs does the Keeled Box Turtle lay?
- Average 4 eggs, two clutches in a season
- How big is the Keeled Box Turtle?
- Average carapace 15–17cm