BASIC INFORMATION:

Found only in Southern China and Northern Vietnam, this turtle is probably the best example of over collecting for the Chinese food market. A recent scientific expedition studying this species turned up only one male turtle, after several weeks of searching. Kwangtungs are virtually extinct in the wild; thankfully this species is bred by a few better breeders here in the US.

A highland species, Kwangtungs used to inhabit mountain streams, and juveniles greatly resemble their American counterparts - North American wood turtles . Gray to almost glossy black on top, they have brilliant orange to yellow belly patterns. Omnivorous, they take pellets, greens, worms, insects and fish.

Given that this is a species on the verge of extinction, (if not already extinct in the wild) Kwangtungs are a very important species for conservation minded keepers to work with.