Sulawesi Forest Turtle
CR

Sulawesi Forest Turtle

Leucocephalon yuwonoi

Declining

Photo: (c) Putra Reptil Endemik, all rights reserved, uploaded by Putra Reptil Endemik

Overview

The Sulawesi forest turtle is a critically endangered species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. The species is monotypic within the genus Leucocephalon. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. These turtles have a unique clutch size, which is 1 or 2 eggs per clutch, that is significantly less than an average turtle's clutch size.

Leucocephalon yuwonoi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion across its extremely limited range in North Sulawesi. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented the remaining lowland and hill forest patches where this endemic turtle occurs. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions, while collection pressure for the illegal pet trade compounds population declines.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic turtle inhabits lowland and hill forests of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, typically found in areas with dense canopy cover and permanent water sources. The species appears to prefer primary forest habitats but may occasionally utilize adjacent secondary forest areas.

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislationPolicies and regulations

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sulawesi Forest Turtle classified as Critically Endangered?
Sulawesi Forest Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Leucocephalon yuwonoi faces severe threats from rapid deforestation and habitat conversion across its extremely limited range in North Sulawesi. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have fragmented the remaining lowland and hill forest patches where this endemic turtle occurs. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions, while collection pressure for the illegal pet trade compounds population declines.
Where does Sulawesi Forest Turtle live?
Sulawesi Forest Turtle occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sulawesi Forest Turtle?
The main threats to Sulawesi Forest Turtle are 2.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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