The Turtle Files: Episode 4 – Yellow-margined Box Turtle

This episode of the turtle files has us investigating one of smaller species of turtle that lives in the Reptile House, the yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata). These turtles are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss from agricultural expansions, the illegal pet trade and hunting for traditional medicines. They are found in warm, humid and vegetation dense areas of China, Taiwan and Japan often very close to bodies of water like ponds or rice paddies. There are captive breeding programs as well as efforts being made to protect their habitats to hopefully help this species in the wild.

In the rainforest section of the Reptile House, you will find a group of three yellow-margined box turtles who share an enclosure with two blue tongued skinks. The turtles are called Ed, Edd and Eddie.

FUN FACT! Although they have the ability to swim, these turtles spend very little time actually in the water!

Why is it Called the Yellow-margined Box Turtle?

This species of box turtle gets its name from the yellow stripes that are located on the margins of their shells. The plastron (the shell belly) is also usually yellow with almost black patches on it. Along with this, their heads and limbs have yellow stripes down and around them!

What is a Box Turtle?

You may be reading this blog and thinking “why are they called box turtles?” Let me explain. Box turtles are a very special category of turtle. This is because, unlike ordinary turtles, the box turtle can completely close its shell to protect itself from predators! Basically, the front section of the turtle’s plastron (underneath of shell) is hinged which then allows the turtle to tuck its head completely inside its shell and then close itself in!

Another distinction between box turtles and all the other turtles in the reptile house is that they can happily eat both inside and outside of water. Usually, turtles require being in water to help them swallow and digest their food as they lack teeth and salivary glands (meaning they don’t produce salvia). The water acts as a lubricant and allows food to be swallowed easier and move through the digestive tract efficiently. Whereas the box turtles manage just fine without any watery assistance.

What do they Eat?

The yellow-margined box turtle is omnivorous. Meaning that in the wild, the box turtles would eat just about anything, from invertebrates and carrion to fruits and vegetables. At the zoo, we feed these turtles a mixture of fruits, vegetables, eggs and invertebrates They also get leftover rat pups or blood worms for the occasional treat.  It’s very hard to convince these turtles to eat their vegetables, they’d much prefer to snaffle bananas and bugs!

Breeding

The yellow margined box turtle has an interesting courtship ritual. By turtle standards, their courtship is fairly gentle and requires the cooperation of both the male and female. The male stretches out his head and neck towards the female’s head, placing his head just above hers. The male’s neck will then sway, which may cause his head to rub against the female’s chin. After potentially several rounds of this, the pair may tussle. First the male and then the female will try and pursue, catch and overturn the other. Sometimes the male drools and hisses or makes a lip-smacking sound. This will turn from playful to more serious. The male will start to bite the front edge of the female’s carapace, shake her and gently nibble her forelimbs. Once stationary, the female will tuck her head into her shell and close it shut, this tells the male that he is good to mount and mate her.

Unlike many turtle species, the yellow-margined box turtle lays a relatively small clutch of eggs several times a year. On average the female will lay between 1 and 4 eggs. Their eggs are laid in shaded damp soil, where it takes between 75 and 90 days for them to hatch out!

So next time you visit, see if you can spot Ed, Edd And Eddie hiding away in our rainforest area of the Reptile House!

By Beth, Deputy Head of Reptiles & Invertebrates