The weather is getting hotter and hotter, the beginning of summer is just around the corner, and it's time to eat watermelon and ice cream! ! In order to welcome the summer, the editor will introduce a very cool turtle today - the watermelon turtle↓↓

I made a mistake, come again↓↓

It is also known as the saltwater turtle, because of its carapace The pattern is very similar to that of watermelon, so people call it watermelon turtle. Hearing this, many friends must be interested. If you keep one at home in summer, will you feel cooler? However, I'm sorry, they are one of the endangered water turtles in Southeast Asia, so please give up this idea~~

Let's take a look at the popular science introduction of watermelon turtles.

1. Morphological characteristics

1. Carapace: Although their carapace is not as round as a watermelon, there are three black lines on it, so look at the carapace. They are very similar to watermelons, especially those that are olive green in color (most watermelon turtles are brown), and are particularly similar to watermelons.

2. Body size: This melon is not very big, and it weighs only more than 3 pounds (emmm...it is not very sweet). Relatively speaking, female turtles are larger in size and have rounded carapaces.

3. Head: The head of the female turtle is olive, and the male turtle is generally gray, but it will turn white during the breeding season. Some males also have red stripes between their eyes, but it is said to be artificially painted, so some people call it painted terrapin, which is also its English scientific name.

2. Living habits

1. Habitat: Since it is called a saltwater turtle, of course it mainly lives in saltwater waters, but it does not live in the sea. It is chosen to live in the river estuary area and the mangrove swamps near the sea.

The editor can't help but think about the taste of watermelon pickled in seawater... 

2. Diet: Watermelon turtles eat leaves and fruits of plants as staple food. Of course, they also eat some meat such as shellfish and mollusks.

Yes, you have to be a picky eater to grow melons fast and well!

3. Activities: Interestingly, occasionally we can find watermelon turtles on driftwood or plants on the water surface. In fact, they are sunbathing and enjoying the sun.

Without sufficient photosynthesis, how can this melon be sweet~

Three, population status

Foreword mentioned So, the watermelon turtle is critically endangered, so how rare is it?

Only about 100 female turtles can be found at the mouths of 1-2 rivers in the Malay Peninsula, where they originate.

There are two main reasons. First, the value of watermelon turtle eggs is high, and many local people will dig and sell them; reduce.

All in all, watermelon turtles are very rare nowadays. If they are not protected, they will not only be cool, but may be directly cold... So I hope the locals can take good care of them.