Ocadia sinensis (Gray, 1834)
Chinese Striped Terrapin 中華花龜
Ocadia 花龜屬
Shell smooth with indistinct or even no keels.
Sometimes has large faint orange-brown spots on each dorsal scute.
Plastron yellow with black blotch on each scute and two extra blotches on the bridge.
Head and neck olive brown. Head, neck and limbs with many fine lateral yellow stripes.
The only record of this species in Hong Kong, as reported by Dr. Geoffery Herklots, is a single specimen dug up from a dried up pond in Stanley Village during World War II. The validity of this record is open to doubt. This specimen was considered released since it was found in an artificial habitat.
In 1980, a large terrapin resembling Ocadia sinensis was seen in Lam Tsuen River, but the identity could not be confirmed.
At present, most suitable habitats in Hong Kong
are badly polluted or with too little aquatic vegetation to sustain viable population of this terrapin.
Sometimes sold in local markets. Occasionally seen in fish ponds or urban parks.
Widely distributed in southeastern China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
China Redlist: Endangered
