We keep individual hatchling Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtles in 6-quart plastic containers within a rack system. We incubate eggs on a 50/50 mixture of peat moss and vermiculite, with long-fiber sphagnum moss on top to cover the eggs during incubation. Some of the most prolific breeders of G. japonica keep their adult turtles outdoors year-round, allowing them to breed and lay eggs, with eggs later hatching from the ground. Geoemyda japonica is also listed on the 1991 and 1999 Japanese Red Lists, it is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, and it was recently designated an Appendix II species on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is, and you should proceed with caution.
Each container is full of clean sphagnum moss and about a half inch of water, with a half of a plant pot, cut vertically, that serves as a hide. The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle attains a straight carapace length (SCL) of roughly 6 inches. Author: Editors: Stephen J. Enders, Anthony Pierlioni, Chris Leone, Andrew S. Weber, Ben Forrest, and Andrew Hermes. A perfect outdoor enclosure for Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtles would include some rocky and/or sloping terrain to replicate the species' mountainside habitat in the wild.
This provides a natural day/night cycle and helps maintain humidity and predictable temperatures — all perfect for steady growth. The substrate should be kept moist, but not flooded, and the addition of live plants, such as pothos, not only reduces the risk of stress-related health problems by providing the turtles with security, but aids in maintaining humidity during the warmer parts of the year. These little scutes might not seem remarkable, but they are actually used by customs agents as the most straightforward and accurate method for quickly distinguishing this rare species from other closely related turtles, such as G. spengleri. We feed our turtles a diet that is identical to other terrestrial Asian species, such as flowerback and Chinese box turtles of the genus Cuora. If you are a turtle breeder who is looking to add the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle to your captive-breeding program, be sure to put forth the proper effort needed to familiarize yourself with the animals being offered for sale and the people selling them. A variety of protein is offered to our animals, including boiled chicken, boiled or cooked ground turkey, frozen/thawed shrimp, chopped earthworms, pinky mice and scrambled eggs. The plastron is large and almost entirely black. Keepers should aim to keep their turtles in the low 80s during the summer and the high 50s to 60s during the winter, though they should not be wet in cooler temps. Cooling the turtles during the winter months is thought to contribute to successful propagation, and G. japonica can tolerate winter temperatures into the 40s as long as they are kept dry. Protein, fruits and vegetables should all be present in the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle's diet, in addition to calcium and vitamin supplementation.
This means that in Japan, handling of the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle, including its purchase, sale and captive maintenance, are all strictly controlled by law. Breeding the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle, as well as incubating and hatching the eggs, if you get that far, is tremendously difficult. As with many turtle species, fossil records indicate that the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle was more widely distributed in the past than it is today. This usually leads to incubation periods that last about 82 days. Thoughtful keepers must be mindful of this fact, and ensure that their charges are also provided with the most balanced diet possible. Many well-meaning keepers have purchased turtles only to find out afterward that their animals were probably wild caught and required unexpected veterinary care, or worse. The tubs help to contain humidity, and their opaque walls help to reduce stress because the turtles can't see through them. It's fun to watch these delightful turtles eat all the food while trying unsuccessfully to pick out their favorite types. Anyone who has worked closely with both turtles knows how distinct they are from one another in their appearance, behavior and husbandry needs in captive situations. A substrate mix of organic topsoil and peat moss with a top layer of cypress mulch provides a naturalistic living surface that holds moisture without getting moldy. The carapace coloration may be dark orange, tan, or reddish, but it's often brown overall, and the keels are usually accompanied by attractive black markings. Both head and neck are adorned with beautiful orange and red stripes, and the sides of the head have an attractive yellow streak that extends behind each eye. Vegetables we offer include sweet potato, green zucchini, summer squash, pumpkin, bell peppers and a variety of mushrooms.
Additionally, sturdy terrarium plants, like pothos, can grow over a cork bark hide, adding to the beauty of the enclosure and comfort of its inhabitants. Perhaps the best reason to provide a hide made of cork bark is its porous nature. 0 International License. Hides For The Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle. Perhaps the most important element in a Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle enclosure is the inclusion of a hide. The handsome and average-sized head has a hooked beak.
During watering of the enclosure, this allows water to quickly seep into the interior of the hide, increasing humidity and alerting the turtle hiding inside that it is time to get become active. It does not cover all Chelonian species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about the species covered. It was imported to the U. S. more frequently at around the turn of the century, usually with paperwork that claimed the turtles were Vietnamese black-breasted leaf turtles (G. spengleri), which was considered a subspecies of G. japonica as recently as 1992, and even the same species prior to 1935. Although found rarely on other islands in the Okinawa archipelago, these occurrences are thought to be due to introduction by humans. While theTurtleRoom's staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control. A water dish is provided, too; my only rules are that it be BPA-free, that the turtle can easily enter and exit the bowl, and can fully submerge while inside it. What Foods To Feed The Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle. We house adult G. japonica singly in 30-gallon Rubbermaid tubs made of opaque plastic and measuring 31 by 20 by 17 inches. This puts pressure on wild populations despite Japan's efforts at protecting them and, unfortunately, the G. japonica found offered for sale around the world are likely to be illegally smuggled turtles. The turtles are more likely to veggies they might otherwise eat around if they are chopped finely and mixed with the fruit and protein sources. With these juvenile enclosures, as well as the hatchling enclosures, the goal is to create an environment in which condensation can be seen on the walls of the enclosure. The Japanese government thought so highly of the unique and beautiful Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda japonica) that the turtle was design.
To watch a video about the Second Chance Project, go to. As with many captive omnivores, food that moves is always preferred. The turtles are moved to the terrestrial habitats previously described when they weigh about150 to 200 grams. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. Due to its beautiful appearance, as well as the species' rarity, the Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is highly coveted by collectors and turtle breeders. And, as with other reptiles that are kept in groups, submissive G. japonica may be less likely to eat and behave naturally. Live pieces of pothos or artificial plants are added to provide a touch of naturalistic decoration. Dedicated champions need to step up and attempt to breed this species, to offset illegal practices that threaten the future of this unique and beautiful turtle. The Japanese government thought so highly of the unique and beautiful Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda japonica) that the turtle was designated as a National Natural Monument on June 26, 1975 (who knew that a turtle could be classified as a monument?
Wild mushrooms are not recommended, but any purchased for human consumption should be safe for the turtles. Then they simply collect fresh hatchlings within the adult enclosure! Happily, though, there are dedicated turtle breeders who are breeding the turtle in captivity with some success. The Ryukyu black-breasted leaf turtle is kept in captivity in Asia, Europe and the United States, albeit rarely — a consequence of the significant protection within the turtle's home range.
Indoor temperatures for adult turtles should never be more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods, or lower than the 40s. We have found the best way to provide a naturalistic hide for this species is by using long pieces of cork bark placed on top of the substrate. It has a relatively elongate, slightly domed shell with a flattened peak. Anthony has also developed the Second Chance Project, which gives people with disabilities a chance to build skills and confidence by caring for critically endangered turtles. Food should be finely chopped and mixed together; we invested in a food processor to make this much easier. It can rain virtually every day during the Ryukyu Islands summer, and proper drainage in G. japonica enclosures is a must. Anthony Pierlioni is the senior director of theTurtleRoom, an official Conservation Partner of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.