Arakan forest turtle.
Found in the foothills of the Arakan forest in southern Bangladesh this turtle was classified extinct in the early 1900s. In relation to the extinction of the forest rhinoceros in India,
Bangladesh and western Myanmar. Formerly in Burma, this turtle was documented to consume the forest rhinos excrement fertilizing seeds of plants that required scarification. Whereas rhino digestion produced stratification germination. A cooperative species element of both of these species in the similar purpose of seed propagation in the regions of the Chittagong foothills dry forest environment. This species was rediscovered in the early 2000s and is making strides towards captive breeding efforts throughout the world’s Chelonia breeding programs. They are a critical species for environmental aspects in their natural rugged habitats. Poaching, the pet trade, and human consumption is its biggest risk it faces now.
Locality: Bangladesh, Myanmar
Genus: Heosemys
Species: depressa
Status: Cites 2
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered (CR)
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