After photographing several angles of it, I started to find out what type it was. From several physical characteristics that I compared with the references I found, this turtle is most likely a Cuora couro, a type of semi-aquatic turtle that is often found in calm waters such as ponds and swamps.
Interestingly, Cuora couro has a unique character. When I brought my hand closer, he immediately retracted his head into his shell, then remained silent for a long time. It seemed like he felt threatened, so I didn't bother him for long. After observing and ensuring that it was in a healthy condition, I finally released it back into the pool.
This experience reminded me how much wild life can be found even in simple places like a backyard pond. Sometimes, we don't need to go all the way to the forest to find something interesting. Nature always has surprises, as long as we are willing to observe more closely
NOTE: I first wrote the article above in Indonesian, which is my own language, then I translated it using English with the help of Goggle.
| Latin Name | Observation date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cuora couro | 21 03 2025 | North Acèh Regency, Acèh, Indonesia |
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Camera used | Smartphone | - | - Lens | Macro F-stop | - Iso speed | ISO Focal length | MM Photography | Cuora couro Location | Aceh Indonesia Photographer | @bananaklatbarat
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Link to original | community | - | - Link | https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/266528298 Latitude Longitude | Map | - | - =4.9786331 | =97.2221421 | https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=4.9786331&mlon=97.2221421#map=12/4.9786/97.2221