Quick answer
IUCN status: Critically EndangeredPainted terrapin at a glance
The painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) is a reptile in the family Geoemydidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra (Aceh and North Sumatra) and Borneo. Diet: mangrove fruit, leaves, crustaceans and snails; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Batagur borneoensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Tuntong laut |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Geoemydidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra (Aceh and North Sumatra) and Borneo |
| Linked habitats | Mangroves, Freshwater Wetlands |
| Diet | Mangrove fruit, leaves, crustaceans and snails |
| Range in Indonesia | Aceh Tamiang, Langkat and Borneo |
| Key feature | Breeding males have a white head with a red stripe |
| Other names | Tuntong laut, beluku |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 711 |
| Tamiang River population | About 400 animals (Joko Guntoro's estimate, 2016) · Mongabay — Pulling the painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — mangrove fruit and leaves, plus crustaceans and snails · Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (UGM) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · Animal Diversity Web: Callagur (Batagur) borneoensis |
| Observance days | World Turtle Day (23 May) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) — Females nest on beaches at night at low tide. · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (12)
What is the painted terrapin?
The painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) is a large river turtle of the family Geoemydidae that lives in estuaries and mangrove forests. Females are much bigger: Animal Diversity Web gives over 60 cm for females but only 30–40 cm for males. For most of the year the shell is a dull grey-brown.
In the breeding season the male's shell turns pale so its three black stripes stand out, its head becomes white and a red stripe appears between the eyes. This colour change gives the species its English name. Indonesian regulation P.106/2018 calls it beluku.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Callagur borneoensis (painted terrapin) ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗ · JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
Where does the painted terrapin live?
The painted terrapin spends most of its life in river estuaries and mangrove forests, while females come ashore on sandy sea beaches to nest. The Reptile Database lists its Indonesian range as Sumatra and Borneo, with its type locality on Borneo.
On Sumatra, conservation work centres on Aceh Tamiang Regency in Aceh and Langkat Regency in North Sumatra. Mongabay (2016) describes Aceh Tamiang as probably the species' last major stronghold in Indonesia. Outside Indonesia it is recorded from southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
Evidence: The Reptile Database — Batagur borneoensis ↗ · Turtle Survival Alliance — Indonesia: Sumatra programme ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗
What does the painted terrapin eat?
The painted terrapin eats mainly plants, such as mangrove fruit, leaves that fall into the water and shoots of riverside plants. Animal Diversity Web notes that molluscs and shellfish are sometimes eaten too. Mongabay says its slightly upturned snout helps it feed at the surface.
A 2025 study in a coastal conservation area in Aceh, however, found a more mixed diet: 41 percent crustaceans, 41 percent plant material and 18 percent gastropods. The researchers also observed various crustaceans and snails being eaten.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Callagur borneoensis (painted terrapin) ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗ · Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology — Mawardi et al. (2025), habitat and diet of Batagur borneoensis on the coast of Aceh ↗
How does the painted terrapin breed?
Female painted terrapins leave the rivers to nest on sandy sea beaches, often beaches that sea turtles also use. According to Animal Diversity Web, females nest at night at low tide, dig a hole about 30 cm deep and may nest two or three times a season. A clutch holds 10–25 eggs, usually 10–12, which hatch after 70–90 days.
Hatchlings then head for the river mouth. The species tends to nest at the same sites and times each year. In Aceh Tamiang and Langkat, nest patrols run from December to February.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Callagur borneoensis (painted terrapin) ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗ · Turtle Survival Alliance — Indonesia: Sumatra programme ↗
Why is the painted terrapin endangered?
The painted terrapin is endangered because its eggs are taken, its habitat is being destroyed, and adults are hunted for meat and pets. The IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered; Mongabay places it among the world's 25 most endangered freshwater turtles. Animal Diversity Web notes its eggs are worth over five times as much as chicken eggs, and fixed nesting sites make whole clutches easy to take.
In Aceh, mangroves are cut for charcoal or cleared for oil palm and fish or shrimp ponds. Drowning in nets and sand mining add further threats. In 2016 Satucita Foundation founder Joko Guntoro estimated about 400 in the Tamiang River.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Callagur borneoensis (painted terrapin) ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗
How can the painted terrapin be protected?
The painted terrapin is protected in Indonesia under regulation P.106/2018. In Aceh Tamiang and Langkat, patrol teams move eggs from nests to protected hatcheries in the villages of Pusung Kapal and Jaring Halus, then rear the young for more than six months before release. Mongabay reports that guarding eggs on the beach raised hatching success from 10 percent to about 70 percent in 2016.
People can help by not buying or eating terrapin eggs, by telling officers about terrapins caught in nets, and by reporting illegal trade to the BKSDA.
Evidence: JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗ · Turtle Survival Alliance — Indonesia: Sumatra programme ↗ · Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Painted terrapin
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines |
| Family | Geoemydidae |
| Genus | Batagur |
| Species | Batagur borneoensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the painted terrapin
What is the scientific name of the painted terrapin?
The scientific name of the painted terrapin is Batagur borneoensis, in the family Geoemydidae. In Indonesian it is called Tuntong laut.
What kind of animal is the painted terrapin?
The painted terrapin is a reptile in the family Geoemydidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a mangrove fruit and leaves, plus crustaceans and snails.
Where does the painted terrapin live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the painted terrapin in: Sumatra (Aceh and North Sumatra) and Borneo.
Source-supported habitats: Mangroves, Freshwater Wetlands.
What does the painted terrapin eat?
Diet of the painted terrapin: mangrove fruit, leaves, crustaceans and snails. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (UGM).
How does the painted terrapin reproduce?
The painted terrapin reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the painted terrapin venomous?
No. The painted terrapin is not venomous. Source: Animal Diversity Web: Callagur (Batagur) borneoensis.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the painted terrapin nocturnal?
The cited source records the painted terrapin as diurnal (active by day). Females nest on beaches at night at low tide. Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the painted terrapin?
Key features of the painted terrapin, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: breeding males have a white head with a red stripe.
How large is the population of the painted terrapin?
About 400 animals (Joko Guntoro's estimate, 2016). Source: Mongabay — Pulling the painted terrapin back from the brink (2016). Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the painted terrapin?
Scientific classification of the painted terrapin: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Testudines, family Geoemydidae, genus Batagur, species Batagur borneoensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the painted terrapin endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the painted terrapin is listed as Critically Endangered: it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the painted terrapin protected in Indonesia?
Is the painted terrapin protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 711).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the painted terrapin be kept as a pet?
No. Because the painted terrapin is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- The Reptile Database — Batagur borneoensis ↗
- Animal Diversity Web — Callagur borneoensis (painted terrapin) ↗
- Mongabay — Pulling the stunningly unique painted terrapin back from the brink (2016) ↗
- Turtle Survival Alliance — Indonesia: Sumatra programme ↗
- Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology — Mawardi et al. (2025), habitat and diet of Batagur borneoensis on the coast of Aceh ↗
- JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Painted terrapin (Batagur borneoensis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/painted-terrapin/