An endangered big-headed turtle was found after more than seven months of observation in Thailand.

The rare creature, known by its scientific name Platysternon megacephalum, was spotted swimming in a brook in Chiang Rai province on July 10 by authorities from conservation group Living River Association (LRA).

LRA officer Kriengkrai Chaengsawang said: 'This big-headed turtle is the first one we've found while studying conservation methods to preserve the species.

‘We found it in a brook, which is one of 86 at the end of the Ing river. We plan to survey all of them within the project's second year.'

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified big-headed turtles as 'critically endangered.' The reptiles are reportedly exploited as medicinal ingredients or sold as exotic pets, while their habitats have shrunk over the years due to human encroachment.

They are also hard to spot as they are nocturnal hunters that prey on shrimp and fish.

Villager Inkham Sonkaew said: ‘There were many big-headed turtles here in the past, but now they are difficult to find because there are just a few remaining. There are currently efforts to conserve their numbers.'