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BiologyBeing a herbivorous turtle, this species feeds on vegetation found growing in its aquatic habitat, as well as land plants that overhang the water and fruits that have fallen into reach (2) (5). Like all turtles and tortoises, the yellow-headed temple turtle possesses no teeth, and instead munches through its food using its sharp, bony jaws (6). Mating in turtles usually takes place with the male mounting the female from behind, a position that demonstrates the purpose of the male's concave plastron, which allows the male to get in the right position over the female's domed carapace (7). Between the months of December and January, the yellow-headed temple turtle excavates a nest, into which a clutch of around four elongated, hard-shelled eggs is laid (4).