AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Rhinoclemmys funerea
Black Wood Turtle
Cope, 1875
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized turtle with a flattened and remarkably dark carapace, ranging from deep brown to almost jet black. Its head features radiant patterns of yellow or light-colored lines that contrast dramatically with the dark tone of its skin, giving it a distinguished appearance.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Testudines
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Geoemydidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Rhinoclemmys
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1875
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits wooded areas with high humidity, preferring slow streams, swamps, temporary ponds, and floodplains of humid tropical rainforests. It is both a terrestrial and aquatic species, spending much of its time among leaf litter and shallow water.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mostly diurnal species with solitary habits. Although it spends much time in the water, it moves with agility on the forest floor. It is a discreet and cautious species, which usually retreats at the slightest sign of danger.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary. Social interactions are minimal and, outside the reproductive season, they actively avoid other individuals. Males can be territorial if they encounter other males.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active forager. Explores both the water surface and the forest floor, using its sense of smell to locate decomposing organic matter or ripe fruits.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic omnivore. Its diet is very varied, including fallen fruits, flowers, tender leaves, insects, worms, crustaceans, and occasionally carrion. This dietary plasticity is key to its survival in the forest.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female lays its eggs in nests excavated in moist soil or under layers of leaf litter. Embryonic development depends on ambient climatic conditions.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 20.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
400 g - 1.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 4
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
5 - 8 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
3 - 5
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 25 Years
Females15 - 25 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male possesses a considerably longer and thicker tail at its base, and a cloacal opening located beyond the edge of the carapace. In addition, its plastron usually presents a more marked concavity.
Females Multi-lang
The female has a shorter and thinner tail, with the cloacal opening positioned near the edge of the carapace. Its plastron is flat, facilitating movement and stability on the terrain.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Behavioral Thermoregulation: Being a reptile of tropical climates, it frequently alternates between immersions in cool streams and basking sessions on fallen logs to maintain an optimal body temperature for digestion.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture reduces the water corridors and humid forest necessary for its life cycles between land and water.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Camouflage in Dark Water: Its dark coloration, which often appears almost black, is an evolutionary adaptation to blend in with the muddy bottom and tannin-stained waters of the jungles, protecting it from aerial and terrestrial predators.