Sacalia

Sacalia
Sacalia quadriocellata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Cryptodira
Family: Geoemydidae
Subfamily: Geoemydinae
Genus: Sacalia
Gray, 1870

Sacalia is a genus of turtles in the family Geoemydidae (formerly Bataguridae). The genus was erected by John Edward Gray in 1870. Sacalia species are native to Southeastern China, Laos, and Vietnam. Both members have been declared as endangered turtle species by the IUCN Red List due to illegal trade. Sacalia has a carapace of dark-brown color that permits it to camouflage to its habitat. They are believed to select the area of a river that better matches their color.

Species

Two species are recognized.

Hybridization

What was described as a new species, Sacalia pseudocellata, Chinese false-eyed turtle, is actually a hybrid of a male Cuora trifasciata and a female Sacalia quadriocellata.

References

  1. 1 2 "Sacalia Gray, 1870". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  2. ↑ Le, M.; McCormack, T.; Hoang, H.; Duong, H.; Nguyen, T.; Ziegler, T.; Nguyen, H.; Ngo, H. (2020). "Threats from wildlife trade: The importance of genetic data in safeguarding the endangered Four-eyed Turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata)". Nature Conservation. 41 (2): 91–111. Bibcode:2020NaCon..41...91L. doi:10.3897/natureconservation.41.54661.
  3. ↑ Xiao, F.; Yang, C.; Shi, H.; Wang, J.; Sun, L.; Lin, L. (2016). "Background matching and camouflage efficiency predict population density in four-eyed turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata)". Behavioural Processes. 131: 40–46. doi:10.1016/j.beproc.2016.08.007. PMID 27542920.
  4. ↑ Stuart, Bryan L.; Parham, James F. (2007). "Recent hybrid origin of three rare Chinese turtles". Conservation Genetics. 8 (1): 169–175. doi:10.1007/s10592-006-9159-0. OSTI 909509.

Further reading