Mangrove Terrapin - Thailand

[block2]

Hi All,

I'm Jeff from Uk originally, but have been in Thailand for some time now. Just thought you might find this interesting.

I was walking the dogs around the village lake, and I came across this terrapin, floating in the water, climbed down to get it, core did it stink. I did a search on Thailand turtles on the web, and if it's what I think it is. A Mangrove Terrapin, then its a very rare find .......check this out...... http/www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2007/2007-01-11-03.asp

I have seen another 2 or 3 of these while I have been fishing in the village lake. I have contacted the local fisheries dept but have had no reply.

Regards
Jeff

 

[Joshy]

Pretty cool.
Updates us wont you!

 

[Kevin_D]

It looks like a Soft Shelled Turtle.

 

[block2]

I have just received an email from a WWF Greatermekong Group :

"Dear Jeff, Unfortunately, what you've got is not a Mangrove terrapin. It is not even a native species. It is a Chinese Soft Shell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). They have been introduced to Thailand as farmed animals, and they frequently escape from captivity. I suspect your sightings are of a small population that escaped from some farmer's ponds. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Bill"

Whoo well, never mind, still a nice find.

Jeff