Japanese Pond Turtleニホンイシガメ
Mauremys japonicaNT— Near Threatened
The Japanese pond turtle is endemic to Japan, found on Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and several surrounding islands. It is omnivorous, eating fish, frogs, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter, and its coin-shaped juveniles—called "zenigame"—have long been popular pets. Habitat loss and competition from introduced species have led the IUCN to assess it as Near Threatened.
Japanese Pond Turtle (reference photo)
Species Data
Did You Know?
- Juveniles are called "zenigame" (coin turtle) in Japanese because their round shell resembles a coin, and they have long been sold as pets. Source
- Molecular studies suggest it may be more closely related to the Chinese pond turtle (a different genus, Mauremys reevesii) than to other species within its own genus Mauremys. Source
Where to See This Species
6 facilities · 0 individuals
ごかつら池どうぶつパーク (Gokatsuraikedoubutsu Park)Mie勢和多気ICから約10分。
ごかつら池どうぶつパークのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Kamogawa Sea WorldChiba東京駅から特急わかしおで約2時間、JR「安房鴨川」駅下車後、無料送迎バス（西口バス停発）で約10分。
鴨川シーワールドのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
京都市動物園 (Kyoutoshi Doubutsuen)KyotoOpened in 1903
京都市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
桐生が岡動物園 (Kiryuugaoka Doubutsuen)Gunma自動車の場合、カーナビ検索は「桐生が岡動物園」ではなく「桐生が岡遊園地」で設定すると駐車場に到着できる（動物園名で検索すると誤った経路になる場合がある）。
桐生が岡動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
東京都恩賜上野動物園 (Toukyoutoonshiueno Doubutsuen)TokyoOpened in 1882
東京都恩賜上野動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937
名古屋市東山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
IUCNではNT。日本固有の淡水ガメとして、生息地の変化や外来種との関係が課題です。
Habitat
池、沼、河川の緩流部、水田などの淡水域。
Threats
- 水辺環境の改変
- 外来種との競合
- 近縁種との交雑
Conservation & Breeding Efforts
- 淡水域と周辺環境の保全
- 飼育下での適切な種管理
Sources
Support Conservation
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- Visit
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- Animal Supporter Programs & Giving
- Find ways to support the facility through its official website.
- Furusato Nozei
- Municipally run facilities may share official guidance for this Japanese hometown-tax program.
FAQ
- Why are baby Japanese pond turtles called 'zenigame'?
- The name means "coin turtle" in Japanese, referring to how the rounded shell of a hatchling resembles an old coin. Source
- Is the Japanese pond turtle endangered?
- It is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, with habitat loss and competition from introduced turtle species contributing to its decline. Source
Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org