Yellow-headed temple turtle

The common name, "yellow-headed temple turtle", is derived from the fact that it is often found near Buddhist temples within its range.^{[citation needed]}

The specific name, annandalii, is in honor of Scottish herpetologist Nelson Annandale.^[5]

H. annandalii may grow to over 20 in (51 cm) in straight carapace length.^{[citation needed]}

H. annandalii is aquatic, and is generally herbivorous.^{[citation needed]}

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) suspended trade of yellow-headed temple turtles in July 2012.^[6]

H. annandalii is found in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and possibly Myanmar.^[3][4]

The preferred natural habitats of H. annandalii are wet forests and freshwater wetlands.^[1]

H. annandalii may live in captivity for up to 35 years.^{[citation needed]}

Two turtles were hatched in November 2019 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Heosemys annadali has been breed in captivity.^[7]

The leech Placobdelloides siamensis is an ectoparasite of this turtle.^[8]