Chinese Softshell Turtle Natural History
Size
The females of this species are slightly larger than the males with their carapaces (upper shell) reaching up to 33 cm (13 inches) in length and can weigh up to 6 kg.
Habitat and Distribution
They inhabit rivers, creeks, lakes, rice paddies, lakes, ponds and marshlands throughout southern China, northern Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Hainan Island.
Age
They can live for over 25 years.
Diet
These turtles mostly eat crustaceans, worms, fish and insects but will also eat leaves and seeds.
Groups and Breeding
After mating females will nest from the early spring to late summer. She can lay several clutches of eggs each year which may contain up to 30 eggs each. The eggs will hatch between 40- 80 days later.
Threats
Chinse Softshell Turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN with a declining population. Despite being commercially farmed in vast numbers for the food trade, wild populations continue to be captured for this trade too.
Interesting Facts
They get the name ‘soft shell’ because their carapace lacks the horny scutes that most turtles have, their carapace is smoother and more leathery.
The Chinese Softshell Turtle During Your Day Out in Kent
The female Chinese Softshell Turtle at Wingham Wildlife Park is always on display in the new Reptile House. This is also home to a number of species of other snakes, crocodilians, geckos, turtles, tortoises and lizards.