Migration in November
On November 19, 2017, I was surprised to see three Chinese pond turtles (Mauremys reevesii, Reeve’s turtle, クサガメ) crawling up a nearly empty irrigation canal. The was my first time to see turtles like these with three ridges along their backs. I later learned that this small turtle is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Japan Ministry of the Environment: 環境省レッドリスト).
The turtles were making their way upstream, probably migrating to a small pond along the canal.
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ) walking up the the canal in Tsuji, Ritto City.
The closest one withdrew into its shell as soon as it noticed me.
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
I backed away, but turtle was surprised by a white wagtail (Motacilla alba, ハクセキレイ).
White wagtail (ハクセキレイ) and Chinese pond turtle (クサガメ)
White wagtail (ハクセキレイ) and Chinese pond turtle (クサガメ)
Eventually the turtle posed before returning its journey.
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
Sighting in January
On January 2, 2018, I spotted a Chinese pond turtle upstream in the canal near the pond, which had dried out. It was basking in the sun under a little waterfall where food was plentiful.
The turtle was covered with mud and some vegetation.
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
This small turtle is not very photogenic, but the survival of Mauremys reevesii as a threatened species makes this Chinese pond turtle a beautiful creature.
Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii, クサガメ)
