Golden Coin Turtle (Chinese Three-banded Box Turtle)
Famous for the three dark longitudinal bands on its tan or golden-brown shell, and for being one of the most valuable and heavily poached turtles in the world due to its use in traditional medicine and as a luxury status symbol.
Overview
Famous for the three dark longitudinal bands on its tan or golden-brown shell, and for being one of the most valuable and heavily poached turtles in the world due to its use in traditional medicine and as a luxury status symbol. It is semi-aquatic in forest streams and is now nearly extinct in the wild.
Classification
The Golden Coin Turtle (Chinese Three-banded Box Turtle) belongs to the suborder Cryptodira (hidden-neck turtles) and the family Geoemydidae. It is the most diverse family of Asian freshwater turtles, ranging from fully aquatic river species to more terrestrial forms. Its scientific name is Cuora trifasciata.
Appearance & Distinguishing Features
They vary greatly but commonly have moderately domed shells, often with keels or ornamentation, and webbed feet suited to rivers, streams, and rice paddies.
Habitat & Distribution
They are distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia, from fast hill streams to lowland wetlands and agricultural waterways.
Diet & Feeding
Most are omnivorous, taking aquatic vegetation, fruits, insects, molluscs, and fish according to availability.
Behavior & Conservation
Many are highly threatened because of intense exploitation for food and traditional medicine and the pet trade. Several are listed under CITES and are the focus of active captive-breeding conservation programmes.
Popularity & Recognition
Though less familiar to the public than tortoises, they are central to Asian freshwater biodiversity and conservation concern.
