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Leucocephalon yuwonoi: Sulawesi Forest Turtle

Photos by Michael Nesbit - www.turtletracker.com

Indonesian Forest Turtles Leucocephalon yuwonoi

by Russ Gurley

Comments: This rare turtle from the forests of Sulawesi was only scientifically discovered in 1995. Since that time, a few specimens have entered captive collections, but even with attentive care, they typically experience a low survival rate. As a species that is sadly overrepresented in the Asian food markets, there is a strong move by dedicated turtle breeders to establish this delicate and beautiful species in captivity.

Distribution: L. yuwonoi is only found in the forests and streams of Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Adult Size: Males may reach 11” to 12” (28 to 31 cm), females 8” to 10” (20 to 25 cm).

Captive Care: The Indonesian Forest Turtle, Leucocephalon yuwonoi , has proven difficult to establish in captivity. Some success, however, has been had by keepers who quickly rehydrate, deparasitize, and place this turtle into a warm, humid enclosure with lots of fresh water and an abundance of plants and piles of hay and leaves in which to hide. Keeping stress to a minimum and good veterinary care are critical.

This species seems to prefer enclosures with shallow water (3”- 4”) and a sandy substrate as they prefer to walk along the bottom than to swim. The only two presently documented specimens observed in the wild were walking along the bottom of a shallow stream (Platt et al, 2001). A large enclosure that is divided roughly into equal parts water and land has worked well. The land area should offer plenty of cover. We have not noticed L. yuwonoi basking. Instead, they seem to hide most of the day, coming out to feed and to explore early in the morning or just before dark. They spend considerable time in the water, but they usually appear to be tromping through it on the way to another portion of the enclosure. They spend a lot of time hiding in piles of leaves, especially those piled up around the base of a small shrub or other plant. UVB-emitting bulbs should be placed overhead and one or two basking spots in the 85° to 90° F (29° to 32° C) range should be included. We have placed one heat-emitting bulb over the edge of the water and one next to a favorite hiding spot on land.

Feeding: Initially, this species has fed on strawberries, banana, ripe cantaloupe, and mango. Once acclimated, a more varied salad consisting of grated sweet potato, yellow squash, apple, pear, lettuce, kale, and other offerings should be presented. As omnivores, they will need some additional higher protein material and should be offered earthworms, redworms, shrimps, raw fish, and even “pink” mice. Mixing in small amounts of MAZURI Tortoise Diet® is also recommended.

Common Health Problems: Apparently any success in keeping these turtles long-term depends on their condition and stress level when imported and the speed with which good veterinary intervention occurs. Those L. yuwonoi that have arrived alert and with good weight, and have begun feeding within a few days, have tended to establish well. These specimens were easier to treat with oral Panacur® and Baytril® in their food with less stressful handling. This species appears to survive heavy parasitism in nature (Platt et al, 2001), and measures should be taken to quickly yet safely deparasitize new captive specimens.

Breeding: L. yuwonoi is a sexually dimorphic species. Both males and females have generally oval and flattened shells, but mature males have a much broader head with predominantly tannish yellow coloration. Females typically have a smaller, dark brown head with only faint hints of lighter markings, if any. Males also have longer tails.

SUGGESTED READING

McCord, W. P., J. B. Iverson, and Boeadi. 1995. A New Batagurid Turtle from Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Chelonian Conserv. and Biol. 1(4): 311-316.

Platt, S. G., R. J. Lee, and M. W. Klemens. 2001. Notes on the distribution, life history, and exploitation of turtles in Sulawesi, Indonesia, with emphasis on Indotestudo forstenii and Leucocephalon yuwonoi . Chelonian Conserv. and Biol. 4(1): 154-159.