Big Headed Turtle Native To Asia Looks Just Like A Pokémon

Have you ever seen a Platysternon megacephalum (also known as the big-headed turtle) before?

The odd-shaped turtle boasts a massive head and long tail that’s nearly the same size as its body.

Photo: Public Domain Pictures/Petr Kratochvil

Because of its unusual appearance, the turtle may seem like a Pokemon character, but in reality, it’s a real species native to Asia.

According to the Asian Turtle Project, the species is endangered and suffers from hunting, the illegal pet trade, and habitat loss.

Photo: TikTok/@47ruacanhphongthuybmt

Big-headed turtles naturally range from Central China to northern Vietnam, Thailand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and Myanmar. The turtles particularly enjoy fast-flowing streams and waterfalls found in rocky areas.

Besides its unusually large head, other characteristic features of this species include “a flat, smooth carapace, long thick tail, and long sharp claws to help with maneuver in the streams and rocky areas in which it is found.”

Photo: TikTok/@47ruacanhphongthuybmt

TikTok user @47ruacanhphongthuybmt shared a video of the Platysternon megacephalum on the app and it really caught the eye of some people. It looks so unique, like something out of this world.

Check out the video below:

@47ruacanhphongthuybmt Rùa đầu to #turtle #thúcưng #RùaCảnhPhongThuyBMT ♬ nhạc nền – tungnguyen22530

Have you ever seen a big-headed turtle before? Let us know!

Protect the Planet

Help preserve vital habitat at The Rainforest Site for free!

Whizzco