Manouria impressa (Günther, 1882)

Common Name and General Habitat

Manouria impressa, commonly known as the impressed tortoise, inhabits mountainous forest regions in Southeast Asia.

Confirmed Geographic Range

Its confirmed range includes Myanmar (Burma), southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Northeast India.

Coloration

This species has golden brown shell and skin.

Size Comparison and Maximum Carapace Length

Adult impressed tortoises are significantly smaller than their close relative, the Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys), reaching a maximum carapace length of 35 cm (14 in).

Elevation Range

It lives at high elevations, up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).

Research Status of Behavior

Little is understood about this tortoise's behavior, because only a small population is currently known.

Wild Diet

Observed wild individuals feed primarily on mushrooms.

Captive Survival Challenges

Impressed tortoises are notoriously difficult to keep alive in captivity, due to the limited existing knowledge about the species.

Harvest and Captive Breeding Status

While the conservation status of the species in the wild remains uncertain, local people widely harvest impressed tortoises for consumption, and very little captive breeding of the species has taken place.

Human Uses

Humans use impressed tortoises for sale, trade, as pets, and as food.

Existing Conservation Legislation

Some regions, including Thailand, have enacted wildlife conservation legislation to protect this species.