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Spiny turtles (Heosemys spinosa) are so named because juveniles sport some seriously sharp scutes, or spines, on their shells to deter predators. The Academy's resident turtles enjoy a predator-free lifestyle, but do enjoy some hunting themselves—for corn on the cob, that is.

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Common name: Spiny turtle
Scientific name: Heosemys spinosa
Size: Up to 11 inches
Range: Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei)
Habitat: Hilly tropical forests and wetlands
IUCN Red List status: Endangered

Find it at the Academy!

The spiny turtle habitat is on the third floor of Osher Rainforest opposite the elevators.