Fun Black Breasted Leaf Turtle Facts For Kids

The black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) is primarily found in Southeast Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Laos. These turtles belong to one of the largest families, Geoemydidae. These turtles are also known by different native names such as the black-breasted hill turtles and Vietnamese leaf turtles.

The black-breasted leaf turtle (Geomyda spengleri) is one of the smallest species of turtle. These turtles are usually found in woodlands and forests. Currently, the species can also be seen in several zoos in China, Vietnam, and other countries of Southeast Asia. These turtles prefer living in shady habitats that led to the development of large eyes and white irises. The carapace or the hard shell resembles a leaf and is yellow-brownish in color while the plastron or the bottom shell is dark in color.

The black-breasted leaf turtles are omnivores. The Internation Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the species in the Endangered category as the black-breasted leaf turtles are endemic to Southeast Asia and the population is declining constantly. Loss of habitat, pet trade, are the major concerns for the species

Keep on reading to learn more interesting facts about the Black-breasted leaf turtle. If you want to know more exciting information about different animals, check out the Florida Softshell Turtle and bog turtle.

‍

What type of animal is a black breasted leaf turtle?

The black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) is one of the smallest turtles found in the world. The black-breasted leaf turtles are omnivores and they primarily prey on snails, worms, crustaceans, insects, fruits, vegetables. The species is endemic to Southeast Asia.

What class of animal does a black breasted leaf turtle belong to?

The black-breasted leaf turtles belong to the reptile class and Geoemyda genus. The turtle belongs to the family of one of the largest species, Geoemydidae, and is best known for the large eyes with white irises.

How many black breasted leaf turtles are there in the world?

The exact population of the black-breasted leaf turtle (geoemyda spengleri) is not known as of now. The species is native to Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, China, and Laos. Over the years, the population of black-breasted leaf turtles has been declining rapidly mainly due to pet trade and loss of habitat.

Where does a black breasted leaf turtle live?

The Vietnamese black-breasted leaf turtles are quite rare and primarily found in a few countries of Southeast Asia such as China, Vietnam, and Laos.

What is a black breasted leaf turtle's habitat?

The Geoemyda spengleri species is usually found in deciduous forests and woodlands. We can also find these reptiles in mountains. These Vietnamese turtles prefer high elevations, humidity, and freshwater streams near their shady habitat. These smallest turtles can also be spotted at various zoos in Southeast Asian countries.

Who do black breasted leaf turtles live with?

Like other species of turtles, the black-breasted leaf turtles are solitary animals. They prefer to live alone as they are quite aggressive for their territory with other turtles or animals. During their breeding season, these turtles come closer to each other.

How long does a black breasted leaf turtle live?

The average lifespan of a black-breasted leaf turtle is 20 years. These turtles can easily live more than 20 years if kept in captivity.

How do they reproduce?

These Vietnamese turtles are sexually dimorphic as both the male and female black-breasted leaf turtles demonstrate different characteristics. The process primarily starts with the courtship behavior in which the male turtles follow the females. Also, the males often get aggressive in order to attract the female turtles. During copulation, the male black-breasted leaf turtles usually squeal or mumble.

The incubation period lasts for around six to eight weeks after which the female turtles lay eggs. During the incubation period, the turtles prepare nests for the eggs. The females generally spend more time on the land during the incubation period, and the average litter size is one or two eggs each year. Females generally produce eggs during the months of June and August. There is no parental involvement once the eggs are laid.

What is their conservation status?

The Geoemyda spengleri species are quite rare and confined to a few Southeast Asian countries. The Internation Union for Conservation of Nature has mentioned the species in the red list. Also, the black-breasted leaf turtles are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora & Fauna.

What do black breasted leaf turtles look like?

The black-breasted leaf turtle is an important part of Vietnamese culture. The picture of the species was even used in stamps. These turtles are some of the rare and smallest turtles in the world. The adult turtles are so adorable. Both males and female turtles have carapace or the hard shell resembles a leaf and is yellow-brownish in color while the plastron or the bottom shell is dark in color. These turtles primarily belong to the wild and use small insects, plants, fruits as their food.

How cute are they?

The Vietnamese turtles are one of the smallest turtles in the world and are only 2.5-4.3 in (7-11 cm) long. They have long eyes with white irises which resemble owl eyes. Their carapace or the hard shell resembles a leaf and is yellow-brownish in color while the plastron or the bottom shell is dark in color which is so adorable and fascinating. You can easily hold one in your hand.

How do they communicate?

The Geoemyda spengleri species is an anti-social animal and generally lives alone. Like other species of turtles, the black-breasted leaf turtle primarily communicates during breeding. The male turtles make different voices, and they grunt or squeal while copulating. Also, through the sense of smell, the turtles try to identify danger or threat.

How big is a black breasted leaf turtle?

The black-breasted leaf turtles are quite small in size and their average weight and length is 0.19-0.27 lb (90-125 g) and 2.5-4.3 in (7-11 cm) respectively. A few of the turtles are twice the size of the Speckled cape tortoise that are majorly found in South Africa.

How fast can a black breasted leaf turtle move?

The research on the speed of the Geoemyda spengleri is going on as of now but these turtles are quite active and territorial. They are also quite alert and watchful and can easily move swiftly if needed.

How much does a black breasted leaf turtle weigh?

The average weight of a black-breasted leaf turtle is 0.19-0.27 lb (90-125 g). Some turtles can also weigh more if proper care is taken.

What are their male and female names of the species?

There is no separate name for a male and a female black-breasted leaf turtle. Males and females of the species are commonly referred to as black-breasted leaf turtles.

What would you call a baby black breasted leaf turtle?

The babies of black-breasted leaf turtles are often referred to as hatchling as they come out of the eggs laid by the female black-breasted leaf turtles.

What do they eat?

The mountainous forest is the major habitat of the turtles, thus they primarily prey on snails, earthworms, worms, crustaceans, insects, fruits, and plants.

Are they dangerous?

The turtle is quite small in length when compared to other species of turtles. Unlike other big-sized turtles, the adult black-breasted leaf turtles have no teeth but have a nib-like bite. Also, these turtles are anti-social animals and so can become aggressive if someone provokes them.

Would they make a good pet?

Like other exotic reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and skinks, the black-breasted leaf turtles are quite attractive. These animals are comparatively smaller than other turtles. Also, for a pet like this, it becomes very important to maintain the exact temperature the turtle needs, and keeping these turtles at room temperature is next to impossible. Proper diet, habitat, and environment need to be maintained. The turtles are also very rare and have been listed in the endangered category, so people generally do not consider them as pets and they should be conserved in their natural habitat.

Did you know...

Many people do manage to pet turtles in their homes. People generally use big-sized tubs and put moss to provide a similar habitat and humidity to the turtles. They also feed them small worms as their food. For maintaining the warm temperature, several heat lamps are used.

Many of us do not know the fact that every turtle is attached to its shell.

Are black breasted leaf turtles endangered?

Yes, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the black-breasted leaf turtle species as Endangered since the population of these reptiles has been constantly declining for years. The major reason for the shrinking of numbers is human interference in the form of the pet trade.

Are black breasted leaf turtles endemic?

Species that are confined to a certain geographical location are known as endemic species. The black-breasted leaf turtle is native to the Southeastern countries of Asia such as China, Vietnam, and Laos. Therefore, the species is endemic.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles including the Snapping Turtle or Green Sea Turtle.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our sea leaf turtle coloring pages.

‍