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Turtles, terrapins and tortoises, or Chelonians (Order : Testudines), include
some of the most endangered species on the planet. For centuries the
larger species have been hunted and traded for their shells, meat and eggs.
In Southeast Asia, these ancient creatures range in size from small, secretive
terrapins hiding in muddy, forest streams to huge sea turtles up to 2 metres in
length navigating the globe.
There are around 300 species of Chelonian alive today, with around 80 species in
Southeast Asia, some examples of which are presented here. |
