The Assam leaf turtle (''Cyclemys gemeli)'' is a

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of ...

turtle Turtles are an order of reptiles known as Testudines, characterized by a special shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the Pleurodira (side necked turtles) and Cryptodira (hidden necked ...

in the

family Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...

Geoemydidae The Geoemydidae (formerly known as Bataguridae) are one of the largest and most diverse families in the order Testudines (turtles), with about 70 species. The family includes the Eurasian pond and river turtles and Neotropical wood turtles. Mem ...

. The species is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Etymology

The

specific name Specific name may refer to: * in Database management systems, a system-assigned name that is unique within a particular database In taxonomy, either of these two meanings, each with its own set of rules: * Specific name (botany), the two-part (bino ...

, ''gemeli'', is in honor of Austrian

herpetologist Herpetology (from Greek ἑρπετόν ''herpetón'', meaning " reptile" or "creeping animal") is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, and caecilians (gymnophiona)) and r ...

Richard Gemel (born 1948).species:Bo Beolens, Beolens, Bo; species:Watkins, Michael, Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. . (''Cyclemys gemeli'', p. 99).

Description

The carapace of ''C. gemeli'' lacks patterns in adults. It is elongated and relatively flat, with nearly parallel sides. The plastron is unpatterned and dark brown. The head is brown, and the throat and neck are uniformly dark. The bridge is also dark brown. (''Cyclemys gemeli'', new species).

Geographic range

The Assam leaf turtle can be found in northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Its geographic range may extend into Myanmar.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of ''C. gemeli'' are freshwater wetlands and forest.

Reproduction

''C. gemeli'' reaches sexual maturity at around five years of age. Like all turtles, it is Oviparity, oviparous.

References