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African Helmeted Turtles
African helmeted turtles are resilient and adaptable reptiles, commonly found in freshwater habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. These small to medium-sized turtles thrive in rivers, lakes, and swamps, and are capable of surviving in temporary water bodies by burrowing into the mud during dry periods. Their omnivorous diet includes aquatic plants, insects, and small fish, contributing to the health of their ecosystems. Despite their hardy nature, habitat preservation is crucial to ensure the sustainability of their populations in the face of environmental changes and human activities.
Scientific Name: Pelomedusa subrufas
- Habitat: The African helmeted turtle is found in a variety of freshwater habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including rivers, lakes, swamps, ponds, and marshes. They prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with abundant vegetation.
- Diet: African helmeted turtles are omnivores, with a diet that includes aquatic plants, insects, small fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and carrion.
- Physical Characteristics: African helmeted turtles have a distinctive flattened, oval carapace (shell) that is usually dark brown to olive in color. The plastron (underside) is lighter and often features a hinged section that can close to protect the head. They have webbed feet with strong claws for digging and swimming. Adults typically measure 12 to 25 cm (5 to 10 inches) in length and weigh between 500 grams to 2 kg (1.1 to 4.4 lbs).
- Lifespan: In the wild, African helmeted turtles can live up to 25-50 years, while in captivity they may live even longer.
- Reproduction: African helmeted turtles reach sexual maturity at about 5 to 7 years of age. Females lay clutches of 6 to 25 eggs in burrows dug in sandy soil, usually during the rainy season. The incubation period varies with temperature but generally lasts about 70 to 90 days.
- Conservation Status: The African helmeted turtle is not currently listed on the IUCN Red List, as their populations are generally stable. However, they face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and capture for the pet trade.
African Helmeted Turtles at Chipangali
African Helmeted Terrapin
Species: African Helmeted Terrapin
Age on Arrival: Various
Arrival Date: Various
Sex: Both
The Story of the Terrapins: Terrapins often arrive when locals mistakenly think they are “drowning” tortoises. At Chipangali, they are cared for and sometimes released into suitable aquatic habitats. These rescues provide lessons on species identification, biology, and responsible interaction with wildlife, turning well-intentioned interventions into conservation opportunities.
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