Tag Archives: biodiversity of Okinawa

Asian Yellow Pond Turtle – Reptiles of the Ryukyu Islands by Shawn Miller

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The Asian Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica) is found throughout the Ryukyu Islands. It is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN list of threatened species.

  • Scientific name: Mauremys mutica
  • Common name: Asian Yellow Pond Turtle
  • Distribution: Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Ponds, drainage ditches, rice paddies and farm fields.
  • Diet: Insects, fish, frogs, snails, plants, and algae
  • Average size: 15-20cm
  • Color: Brown or Olive-yellow
Sunrise - Kin Marsh, Okinawa

Sunrise – Kin Marsh, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

The Juvenile Asian yellow pond turtle in its natural habitat.

Asian yellow pond turtle, Onna Village

Asian yellow pond turtle, Onna Village © Shawn Miller

A face-closeup of this shy turtle

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Breeding season usually takes place during the months of March and April.

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Asian Yellow Pond Turtles mating

An adult feeding on a non-native tilapia fish.

Asian pond turtle

Asian Yellow Pond Turtle (Mauremys mutica)

I usually find this turtle crossing the road at night or early in the morning.

Asian Yellow Brown Pond Turtle

Asian Yellow Brown Pond Turtle © Shawn Miller

This was a large turtle with a previous injury more than likely caused by a vehicle. Look close to see the cracking in the shell.

A roadside survivor

A roadside survivor © Shawn Miller

The truth is I have seen more of these turtles dead than alive. Please watch your speed and pay close attention to crossing wildlife.

Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa Asian yellow pond turtle, Okinawa © Shawn Miller

Asian yellow pond turtle © Shawn Miller

Asian yellow pond turtle, Road Kill

Road Kill -Watch your speed © Shawn Miller

People often ask me what is the purpose of conservation photography? Having the ability to affect some form of positive change in the environment and make a global difference with the photographs. Hopefully, the images will inspire people to care more about nature and make a positive difference in the environment.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically  to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help worldwide conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support.  Shawn M Miller.