Enclosure status
Open
IUCN status
Critically Endangered
Scientific name
Platysternon megacephalum
Order
Testudines
Type
Reptiles
Family
Platysternidae
Region
China and mainland Southeast Asia
Habitat
Streams in mountain forests

Big-headed turtle facts

  • As its name suggests, this turtle’s head is so big it can’t be withdrawn inside its shell. Instead, the top and sides of its head are covered with a large bony ‘roof’ that acts like armour. 
  • These turtles have huge jaw muscles which help them break through crabs’ tough shells. 
Big-headed turtle on a white table top at London Zoo, brown-reddish shell and body, proportionally huge head and a long tail
© Benjamin Tapley

Where do big-headed turtles live?

Fast-flowing mountain streams in mainland Southeast Asia and southern China. 

What do big-headed turtles eat?

Insects, crabs, molluscs and fruit.

What threats do big-headed turtles face in the wild?

How can we protect big-headed turtles?

As part of conservation charity ZSL, we work with the Asian Turtle Programme in Vietnam. Together we have screened the genetics and assessed the health and released 300 big-headed turtles that were seized from the Illegal Wildlife Trade back into protected areas in northern Vietnam. We have also gained new insights into the trade of this species around two protected areas in Vietnam. 

Big-headed turtle conservation

Celebrating a conservation success

Critically Endangered big-headed turtles hatch at London Zoo

Their parents arrived at London’s conservation zoo after being rescued from smugglers trying to illegally import them into Canada labelled as toys.

We're working to save species in the wild

Reptiles and amphibians are under threat

Reptiles and amphibians are some of the most threatened groups on the planet with pressures such as the deadly chytrid fungus, illegal trade, habitat loss and climate change.

Delve into their secretive habits

The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians

Hop around the world and experience some of the rarest and most unique reptiles and amphibians on Earth, from the snake-eating king cobra to mountain chickens we're saving from the brink of extinction.

More facts about reptiles

  • Anam leaf turtle at London Zoo
    Mauremys annamensis

    Annam leaf turtle

    The anam leaf turtle is one of the most endangered reptiles on earth, there are only around 50 remaining individuals in the wild. Little is known about them, but we are working to better understand the species.

  • King cobra
    Ophiophagus hannah

    King cobra

    These massive snakes grow 18 feet long and primarily eat other snakes.

  • Komodo dragon at London Zoo
    Varanus komodoensis

    Komodo dragon

    The largest and heaviest reptile in the world, which can eat up to 80% of its body weight in just one feeding.

  • Two Galapagos tortoises at London Zoo
    Chelonoidis sp.

    Galapagos tortoise

    With a lifespan of 177 years old, some Galapagos tortoises alive today would have around since before the American civil war. 

  • Philippine Crocodile at London Zoo
    Crocodylus mindorensis

    Philippine crocodile

    There are one only around 120 left in the wild, but we are working to recover Philippine crocodiles at the Zoo and in the field.

  • Blue tree monitor close up
    Varanus macraei

    Blue tree monitor

    Blue tree monitors are known for their amazing puzzle solving intelligence, and are isolated to a small island in Indonesia, which is around the same size as the Isle of Wight.