Spiny Hill Turtle

A distinctive forest turtle named for the sharply pointed, spine-like projections around the edge of the shell in juveniles — thought to deter predators from swallowing them — which wear down and become less pronounced as the turtle matures.

Found on the forest floor near streams, foraging for fallen fruit, invertebrates and fungi. Heavily collected for the pet and food trade across parts of its range, contributing to population declines.