Mauremys japonica (Temminck & Schlegel, 1835)

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Mauremys japonica, commonly known as the Japanese pond turtle, is also often called the Japanese pond terrapin and the Japanese pond tortoise. It is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae that is endemic to Japan. In Japanese, it is called nihon ishigame, which translates to Japanese stone turtle.

Wild Population Status

Its population has declined slightly due to habitat loss, but the species is not currently classified as threatened.

Captive Hybridization Risks

In captivity, this species is known to hybridize with the Chinese pond turtle, the Chinese stripe-necked turtle, and the Chinese box turtle, and may hybridize with other members of Geoemydidae as well. Because all three of those species are much rarer and experiencing strong wild population declines, such hybridization should be avoided.

Habitat Preferences

The Japanese pond turtle is an aquatic species that occurs in many types of freshwater bodies, including rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and irrigated rice paddies in the flatlands surrounding highlands. While it can be found both on flatlands and on mountain slopes, research has found it is more likely to thrive in flatland habitats.

Conservation Implications

This information is important for establishing effective conservation measures to protect this near-threatened species.