National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
asian tortoise, black giant tortoise, burmese brown tortoise, burmese mountain tortoise, six-legged tortoise, asian giant tortoise
Regions
BangladeshMyanmarIndonesia
Population
Approximately 10,000 individuals in the wild.
Habitat
Manouria emys inhabits dense tropical forests with access to water sources.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
150, and 80
Regions
Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore
The Asian Forest Tortoise (Manouria emys), also called the Burmese brown or mountain tortoise, is the largest tortoise native to mainland Asia. Its flattened carapace spans up to 60 cm, and adults can weigh as much as 37 kg. Two subspecies are recognized:
- M. e. emys (southern form): lighter brown shell, smaller size (~25 kg)
- M. e. phayrei (northern form): darker shells, more domed, and slightly larger
Behaviorally unique among tortoises, females construct and guard above-ground leaf-litter nests, often brooding over their eggs for up to 20 days and actively defending against predators. Incubation lasts approximately 60–90 days. Native to evergreen, moist tropical forests, they are primarily herbivorous—feeding on dense understory plants and fungi—and occasionally opportunistic omnivorous behavior has been noted.
Currently listed as Critically Endang, the Asian Forest Tortoise faces dramatic declines from habitat loss and exploitation, with estimates of an 80% population drop just in recent generations. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and captive breeding programs aimed at bolstering wild populations.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
