Melanochelys tricarinata (Blyth 1856) – Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Three-Keeled Land Turtle

Abstract

The tricarinate hill turtle, Melanochelys tricarinata (Family Geoemydidae), is a small (carapace length to 174 mm), entirely terrestrial turtle from the deciduous and evergreen forests and riverine grasslands of the northern Indian subcontinent. The species appears to be rare, and is poorly known. One to three eggs are laid at a time, nesting occurring during the winter months in Assam, northeastern India. A fibrous, soft-tissue connection between the plastron and carapace develops in adult females, allowing the passage of the large eggs. Eggs measure 38-47 x 23-27 mm, and incubation period is 60-72 days, hatching taking place in February, April, and May. Hatchlings measure 33-40 mm in carapace length.