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Scientific Name : Chitra chitra

General Characteristics : It is considered as the largest soft-shelled turtle in the world with tortoiseshell about 1 meter in length and weight of 100-120 kilograms. Its tortoiseshell is cream, thin and smooth with brown strip. It has long neck and its head is quite short. Moreover, its legs are plate with hard nails.

Habitat / Food : It has been found in India, Burma, and Pakistan and Thailand, especially at both Kwai-Noi and Kwai-Yai River in Karnchanaburi and Mae-Klong River in Ratchburi. Normally, it hides in apron to hunt prey such as frog, crab, shrimp, and fish.

Behavior / Mating : Because of big and weighty soft-shelled turtle so it walks slowly and always lives in the water. It will get on land when it needs to lay eggs. It prefers to live in rivers, sandy moving downstream. Generally, it lays about 60-110 eggs in each time at sandy riverbank or muddy with fresh grasses.

Current Status : It is a protected animal of Thailand under Thai Wildlife Protection Act B.E. 2535.

Visiting Location : Khao Kheow Open Zoo