Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Status and distribution of nonmarine turtles of the Philippines
Author(s)
Diesmos, A.C.; Brown, R.M.; Alcala, A.C.; Sison, R.V.
Published
2008
Publisher
Chelonian Conservation and Biology
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-0672.1
Abstract
We present updated accounts on the status and distribution of all known species of freshwater turtles in the Philippines, including information on taxonomy, natural history, exploitation, and conservation status. Six species of native nonmarine turtles (Dogania subplana, Pelochelys cantorii, Cuora amboinensis, Cyclemys dentata, Heosemys spinosa, and Siebenrockiella leytensis) are recognized from the Philippines, 2 of which are trionychids and 4 are geoemydids. One of these (S. leytensis) is an endemic species. There is some evidence to suggest that Philippine populations of P. cantorii, C. amboinensis, C. dentata, and H. spinosa may warrant further taxonomic study. The fauna also includes 3 introduced species (Pelodiscus sinensis, Trachemys scripta elegans, and Chrysemys picta). Pelodiscus sinensis, D. subplana, C. amboinensis, and S. leytensis feature prominently in the domestic food and pet trade. Preliminary information indicates that these species are also illegally exported to supply international animal markets. The lack of basic information on the natural history of freshwater turtles in the Philippines stands as an obstacle to the implementation of effective conservation and management measures. We recommend that a national program for Philippine freshwater turtles be established to address priorities for research, conservation, and management of this threatened and poorly studied faunal assemblage. © 2008 Chelonian Research Foundation.
Keywords
Animalia; Chrysemys picta; Cuora amboinensis; Cyclemys dentata; Dogania subplana; Geoemydidae; Heosemys spinosa; Pelochelys cantorii; Pelodiscus sinensis; Reptilia; Siebenrockiella leytensis; Testudines; Trachemys scripta elegans; Trionychidae; INTERFACE; ISLAND; FROGS; ASIA
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB11956