The Newquay Zoo in Newquay, Cornwall, England has announced the addition of a critically endangered big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) to its collection of endangered animals. The current specimen measures less than 5cm from head to tail and is expected to grow up to 40 cm when fully mature.
This critically endangered reptile is characterized by its limited mobility, as it is not a strong swimmer nor known for long-distance travel. Its natural habitat consists of fast-moving streams filled with boulders and rocks, where water temperatures can be as low as 53°F (12°C) and rarely exceed 72°F (23°C). Unlike many turtles, the big-headed turtle cannot retract its head into its shell and instead relies on powerful jaws for defense. Simon Pratley, a keeper at Newquay Zoo, stated in a press release: “Big-headed turtles are really struggling in the wild, so I am really glad that we can introduce this fascinating species to our visitors and highlight the issues threatening its survival.” In the wild, the species is found across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its population has declined by approximately 90% over the past 90 years due to threats such as climate change, habitat pollution, traditional medicine use, the illegal pet trade, farming, and development. There are three recognized subspecies: P. m. megacephalum (China), P. m. peguense (Myanmar and Thailand), and P. m. shiui (Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). The individual turtle at Newquay Zoo has not yet been sexed. It will be displayed in the Tropical House later this month. The zoo, part of the Wild Planet Trust dedicated to halting global species decline, currently houses 35 critically endangered species.
