Arakan Forest Turtle
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The Arakan Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa) is an extremely rare turtle species which occurs only in the Arakan hills of western Myanmar.
The Arakan Forest Turtle was believed extinct (last seen in 1908), but in 1994 was rediscovered when a few specimens turned up in Asian food markets. Like most Asian turtles, it is collected yearly as a food source or for "medical cures." Only a handful of these turtles are in captivity, and their status in the wild, which is dubious at best, is listed as critical.
Being among the most endangered turtle species in the world, little is known about the Arakan Forest Turtle. It may be too late to study this species in its native habitat.
Sources
- http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/reptiles/turtlesandtortoises/arakanforestturtle.htm
- http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/reptiles/Heosemys_depressa/
References
- Asian Turtle Trade Working Group (2000). [Heosemys depressa]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Critically Endangered (CR A2cd, B1+2c v2.3)
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