Class: Reptilia

Order: Testudines

Scientific Name: Geoclemys hamiltonii

Range: Pakistan, Northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh

Habitat: Streams, meadows, bogs and ponds

Diet: Wild: snails, worms, slugs, tadpoles, fish salamanders, spiders
Zoo: turtle pellets, chopped fish, chopped mice

Gestation: Incubation: 60-90 days

Litter: Clutch size: 10-12

Life Span: Unknown but most likely over 40 years

Description: Rare large freshwater turtle with black ground color and white or light yellow spots on shell, neck and legs. Mature adults grow up to 14 inches in length, their toes are fully webbed and the tail is short.

Behavior: They bask in sunshine during the day and sleep under water at night. These turtles prefer shallow, clear waters with considerable aquatic vegetation. They are mostly carnivorous--but will eat fruit and vegetables occasionally.

Reproduction: Courtship usually takes place during February and March. Nesting in April and May.

Did You Know?

• These female turtles (along with many other species) can store sperm up to five years and then use them to produce healthy eggs
• They are endanged and rare because of the demand in the Asian food market
• Also known as the Black pond turtle and Hamilton's spotted pond turtle

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Gharial Crocodile Exhibit at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.