Helmeted Turtle
Pelomedusa subrufa
Summary 3
The African helmeted turtle also known as the marsh terrapin or crocodile turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), is typically a rather small turtle, with most individuals being less than 20 cm in carapace length, but one has been recorded with a carapace length of 32.5 cm. It has a black or brown carapace (shell). The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish. The male turtle is distinguished by its long, thick tail....
Diagnosis 4
The Marsh Terrapin is typically a rather small turtle, with most individuals being less than 20 cm in carapace length, but one has been recorded with a carapace length of 32.5 cm. It has a black or brown carapace (shell). The tops of the tail and limbs are a grayish brown, while the underside is yellowish.
The male turtle is distinguished by its long, thick tail. A female tends to have a shorter tail and a broader carapace. A hatchling has a shell size of about 1.2 inches in length, and is olive to black in color. It also has two small tubercles under the chin and musk glands in the sides of the carapace.
Uniquely, Pelomedusa does not have a hinged plastron (lower shell). All the other species in the family Pelomedusidae, however, have this feature which they can, using muscles, close to cover their heads and front limbs. Unlike many chelonians, African helmeted turtles are able, when they find themselves upside down, to right themselves with a vigorous flick from their long muscular necks. [1]
Recent genetic research suggests that Pelomedusa comprises at least 10 different species, and not only one as previously thought. In the past the physical differences between populations were not regarded as substantial enough to recognise more than one species.[2] In Madagascar, it is the only species in the genus Pelomedusa, which makes it very easy to identify.
Conservation 5
This species is widespread and very common. No conservation measures are needed.
Sources and Credits 5
- E.H.W. Baard: Cape Tortoises: Their identification and care. Cape Nature Conservation. 1994.
- Fritz, Uwe; Alice Petzold; Christian Kehlmaier; Carolin Kindler; Patrick Cambell; Margaretha D. Hofmeyr; & William R.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Jakob Fahr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jakob Fahr
- (c) 2009 Frank Teigler, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=289519&one=T
- (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/705855
- Adapted by calebcam from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/705855
- (c) Caleb Cam, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/705855
