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Photographs
by K W Chan in Central Catchment Reserve.
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Status:
Rare, vulnerable
Interesting
Facts: Soft-shell turtles have evolved several adaptations
for an aquatic existence. These include a reduction of shell
armor, large webbed feet and a long neck. They like to stay
hidden under the substrate during the day. They utilize their
long flexible neck to reach out to the water surface to breathe
while staying buried under a thin layer of sands. Their leathery
skins are believed to be able to extract oxygen from the surrounding
water, so softshell turtles tend to be able to stay submerged
longer without surfacing, compared to their cousins.
Size:
70 cm
Diet:
Fish, aquatic invertebrates and amphibians.
Activity:
Nocturnal
Habitat:
Forest streams.
References:
A Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Singapore - Kelvin
K P Lim
Encyclopedia
of Reptiles & Amphibians - Dr Harold G. Cogger
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