Big-headed Turtle Platysternon megacephalum

The head of the Big-headed Turtle is too big to withdraw into its shell so is covered in bony armour plating. They are native to mountain streams of China, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

They have huge jaws with a beak that breaks snail and crab shells. They also use their beak, strong claws and tail to climb rocks and even trees.

They are the only species in their genus (they are not closely related to the Madagascan Big-headed Turtle) and they are endangered. Like most Indochinese turtles/terrappins/tortoises, their main threat is consumption by humans.