Need help to identify what kind of tortoise it is

PJay

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Definitely a Cuora flavomarginata sub species. Could be a Cuora flavomarginata (Taiwan and central China), Cuora flavomarginata evelynae (Japanese Ryukyu islands) or Cuora flavomarginata sinensis (Southern China). They are all similar in appearance. C. f. s. are thought to be a population of C. f. transplanted to southern China by human activity. C. f. e. has been proposed to be a separate species (Cuora evelynae) because it has been in situ in the Japanese islands since the mid Pleistocene. Whatever sub species, it is a beautiful highly domed example of the complex.
 

Farcryjj

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Definitely a Cuora flavomarginata sub species. Could be a Cuora flavomarginata (Taiwan and central China), Cuora flavomarginata evelynae (Japanese Ryukyu islands) or Cuora flavomarginata sinensis (Southern China). They are all similar in appearance. C. f. s. are thought to be a population of C. f. transplanted to southern China by human activity. C. f. e. has been proposed to be a separate species (Cuora evelynae) because it has been in situ in the Japanese islands since the mid Pleistocene. Whatever sub species, it is a beautiful highly domed example of the complex.
Wow! Thanks PJay! This is very educational. I read the care sheet of box turtle on the forum, and it mentions that there should be a dry side and a wet side in the enclosure. Does the wet side mean a pool, or just keep it very humid?
 

PJay

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Wow! Thanks PJay! This is very educational. I read the care sheet of box turtle on the forum, and it mentions that there should be a dry side and a wet side in the enclosure. Does the wet side mean a pool, or just keep it very humid?
If you can supply a pool that would be ideal. My flavos sit in water for several hours a day. I use either plastic or ceramic flower pot drainage trays.
 

Farcryjj

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Thanks! So it doesn't need to swim in water, just to be able to soak in it?
 

PJay

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Thanks! So it doesn't need to swim in water, just to be able to soak in it?
Correct, they are not a true water turtle, but in their natural environment they are found near rivers, ponds and swamps. They like it wet and humid. Hatchlings and juveniles are usually found in shallow water with lots of plants to climb on and as they grow into adults they will venture up hillsides into pine forests during mating season. They return to the wet areas afterward.
 

Farcryjj

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Correct, they are not a true water turtle, but in their natural environment they are found near rivers, ponds and swamps. They like it wet and humid. Hatchlings and juveniles are usually found in shallow water with lots of plants to climb on and as they grow into adults they will venture up hillsides into pine forests during mating season. They return to the wet areas afterward.
That's so interesting and good to know. Thanks for all the information! ?
 

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