What is a Burmese peacock turtle?

The Burmese peacock turtle is a turtle found in South Asia, particularly Myanmar. It has a nine-inch domed shell that is a greenish-brown color. The name "peacock" comes from the light yellow circles that appear on each section of the shell.

Burmese peacock turtles are rare and considered endangered as of 2014 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The turtle's existence is threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat, South Asia's rivers, streams and ponds. High demand from the Chinese market to use the turtle for medicinal purposes results in aggressive capture which also perpetuates the turtle's endangered status.