Admire the 'monstrous' turtle of Vietnam

With a big head that is hard to understand and a long tail, it is probably one of the most ugly . animals that exist in Vietnam.

This bizarre animal is called the first turtle , scientific name Platysternum megacephalum. They are distributed in the northern mountainous areas, part of Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam.

As its name suggests, the characteristic identity of this turtle is in its oversized, asymmetrical big head, with a small, flat apricot that makes it impossible for them to draw their heads into tomorrow as relatives . Other "unlike anyone" features of a big-headed turtle are a beak like a parrot and a long tail hanging like a lizard's tail (as long as its length).

Due to the narrow living environment and hunting to sell Chinese light medicine, the number of big-headed turtles in Vietnam has declined sharply. They have been classified as threat level at R level (rare in nature) in the Vietnam Red Book.

Although it is becoming increasingly rare and legal provisions prohibit the hunting, trade and breeding of large-headed turtles, but many turtles in Vietnam still find ways to own the species. This rare turtle from the black market. Sometimes they can be sold online for up to 500,000 for a child weighing about 1 tael.

Due to the special conditions of high mountains, big-headed turtles are especially difficult to keep in artificial conditions. Therefore, the efforts to conserve and breed this species at the Turtle Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park are also difficult. In the hands of 'go-to' turtles, it is rare for big-headed turtles to last more than half a year.