Distribution
This sub species is restricted to northern low country wet & dry zones of Sri Lanka, including Nikaweratiya, Polonnaruwa, Anamaduwa, Mannampitiya. Also theya re found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Chagos Islands and Nepal
Characteristics
These turtles are large in size. The carapace is elongated. In adults it’s fairly high but depressed in juveniles. It is tricardinate & the head is moderate. The shell bears scutes. They have large scales on their limbs. They show a high walk like the tortoises. The snout is short. The upper jaw is notched. The toes are fully webbed.
Males
Narrower shells are present. Longer and thicker tails are present which projects out of the rim of the carapace. Adult males are smaller than the females.
Length
They grow up to 383mm of length.
Weight
Color
The carapace is dark brown coloured. Plastron is dark with a pale yellow border. This border may be lost in very old turtles. Head is olive brown or orange spots may be present.
Habitat
They are found mostly in still & standing water such as ponds with aquatic vegetation.
Breeding
They are known to lay their eggs out of water by digging a hole & covering it up with soil. Eggs are hard shelled & elongated buried along banks of water bodies.
. But no definite data was found.
Diet
These turtles are omnivorous & dietary generalists. Their diet consists of fresh water prawns, grass, water hyacinth & fruits.
Identification
Human impact & dangers
Pollution of the ponds causes them death. The eggs are also in danger from other predators such as humans, crows, eagles, ants, rats, cats or even dogs. Their very hard shells help them to escape from predators.
Conservation
They are known to be near threatened.
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