The Captive Care of Geomyda spengleri , The Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle

by Russ Gurley, Director

Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group

ABSTRACT

Many Asian species of freshwater turtles have the reputation of poor survival in captivity. Geomyda spengleri , the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, is one such attractor of this type of recognition. We have found that by following aggressive prophylactic measures and by providing them with proper care and a large, well-planted vivarium, this species fares well in captivity. We have found this species to be alert, inquisitive, and quite docile in captivity and it should prove to be a very popular captive species.

Key words: Geomyda spengleri , Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, Natural history, prophylactic, vivarium.

NATURAL HISTORY

Geomyda spengleri is a small Asian turtle that is well-known among Asian turtle enthusiasts. This species is characterized by a flattened carapace that is brownish to brownish-orange with three low longitudinal keels and serrated back margins. The plastron is dark brown to black and gives G. spengleri its common name - the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle. The head is brown to dark brown with faint yellow stripes running from the eye and along the neck. The toes of G. spengleri are partially webbed alluding to its close ties with flowing mountain streams.

Adult males typically have orange to red-orange speckling on their front legs and neck, which is quite intense during the breeding season. The carapace also takes on an orange to red-orange hue during this time. They have large, long tails and a slightly concave plastron. Adult females have shorter tails and do not undergo the color changes seen in males.

Geomyda spengleri is found from Kwangsi, Kwangtung, Hainan Island in southern China through Vietnam to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo (Ernst and Barbour, 1989).

The Black-breasted Leaf Turtle is primarily terrestrial and is found near cool freshwater streams in its native habitat. It feeds primarily on worms and small aquatic insects in the wild (Pritchard, 1979).

CAPTIVITY

This small personable turtle was imported into the United States in large numbers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its alert, upraised head and large inquisitive eyes make it attractive to most turtle keepers. Unfortunately , G. spengleri has a history of doing poorly long-term in captivity. There are many anecdotal stories of keepers losing leaf turtles in large numbers, and therefore this species is known in the hobby as one that does not do well. Often, it is reported that this turtle dies due to excessive heat in its captive environment. We, however, have found that spengleri does not seem to be affected detrimentally by the heat of our facilities, which remain around 80º F throughout the year. Quite the contrary, these little turtles are thriving!

We believe that a great deal of our success with spengleri is due to an aggressive and early worming procedure and placement of specimens into a large, well-planted naturalistic vivarium where they are fed a wide variety of invertebrate prey and they are allowed to establish themselves with as little stress as possible. Upon arrival, all specimens are promptly rehydrated and treated prophylactically with flagyl® (metronidazole) and Baytril® (enrofloxacin). After two to three days, they are offered a selection of mealworms, earthworms, and crickets, which they seem to relish - especially the worms. After the first week, the turtles are offered a flat dish of mealworms and waxworms, which have been liberally coated with liquid Panacur® (fenbendazole). They are watched carefully and each individual's intake of Panacur® is monitored to make sure that all get some and none get too much. (Occasionally, when picked up, a nervous specimen may open its mouth and may be wormed with a dropper, but I have found that this happens with only a few animals.) A second and third worming is carried out over the next 6-8 weeks with a ten day break in between wormings. After this process, G. spengleri seems to really "kick in" and prosper. They are more alert and their appetites greatly increase. Light individuals tend to fatten up and put on a healthy amount of weight.

We suggest a quarantine period and this rigorous treatment for stress and parasites for at least 60 days before introducing any new turtles to your existing collection.

G. spengleri does well in a variety of set-ups. We have kept them in large stock tanks, aquariums, and even wooden cages. Our "rule of thumb" for their enclosure is the same for all of our turtles and tortoises . . . the bigger, the better. We use a substrate of ½ damp sand, ¼ peat moss, and ¼ Metromix® (a potting soil with no perlite or other additives). We add several large potted plants to keep humidity high and a large flat water dish that is switched out every day with a sterilized dish containing clean, fresh water. The turtles will often soak for an hour each day, defecate in the water dish, and return to the safety of the overhanging leaves of some Sanseveria or ivy. Often, after only a few weeks, the turtles will remain in the open, partially buried in the substrate, and most will take food items offered by hand.

Our G. spengleri are only fed two to three times each week. We offer mealworms, giant mealworms, crickets, and their favorite . . . earthworms. All of these items are consumed greedily and if not watched closely, will consume them in large quantities. We feel that intake of food should be controlled so that these small turtles do not become obese. Obesity is a life-altering condition in captive turtles and can produce kidney and liver problems which increase mortality and decrease life span. We have not had spengleri accept any dry diet (trout chow, Reptomin®, etc.) as do many other Asian species.

The Black-breasted Leaf Turtle has unexpectedly turned out to be one of the most personable and appealing turtles in our program at the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group. Being small, they are easy to keep and maintain and their food requirements are easily met. They are alert and inquisitive and show some of the interesting behaviors that make our hobby worthwhile.

Please note: There are many stories out there in the turtle world relating to the "ease" or "difficulty" of keeping certain species. We found very quickly that many of these stories are based on old gossip or anecdotal tales relating to only a few improperly kept or poorly imported animals. Often, faint recollections of bad experiences in keeping an animal years ago, has made hobbyists unwilling to attempt the keeping of a "difficult" species. We urge you to explore these species. You may find, as we have, that a problem animal may become an exciting, fascinating, and successful project.

REFERENCES

Ernst, C. H. and Barbour, R. W., 1989, Turtles of the World, USA: Smithsonian Institution.

Pritchard, P.C.H. 1979 The Encyclopedia of Turtles, TFH Inc., Neptune, N.J.