Described as a subspecies of "C. galbinifrons", genetic studies have shown it to be quite distinct, possibly to the extent of a separate species, i.e., "Cuora bourreti" as is the case with "Cuora picturata", once also considered a subspecies of "C. galbinifrons". However, ostelogic studies have shown that "C. g. bourreti" probably better remains as a subspecies of "C. galbinifrons". This is also substantiated by the finding of intergradation zones in north-central Vietnam, where hybrid populations of "C. g. galbinifrons" and "C. g. bourreti" are known to exist. The status of "C. picturata" is uncertain, while this is the morphologically and phenotypically the most distinct variety, authors treat it as a subspecies of "C. galbinifrons" again. Herein, it is treated as a separate but closely related species.