African helmeted turtle

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African helmeted turtle
Helmeted Terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa) (17974863358).jpg
Photographed in Uganda
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Pleurodira
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelomedusa
Wagler, 1830
Species:
P. subrufa
Binomial name
Pelomedusa subrufa
(Lacépède, 1788)
Synonyms [1]
  •  ? Testudo planitia
    Meuschen, 1778
  • Testudo subrufa
    Lacépède, 1788
  • Testudo galeata
    Schoepff, 1792
  • Testudo badia
    Donndorff, 1798
  • Testudo rubicunda
    Suckow, 1798
  • Emys galeata
    Schweigger, 1812
  • Emys olivacea
    Schweigger, 1812
  • Emys subrufa
    — Schweigger, 1812
  • Hydraspis galeata
    Bell, 1828
  • Pelomedusa galeata
    Wagler, 1830
  • Pelomedusa subrufa
    — Wagler, 1830
  • Chelys (Hydraspis) subrufa
    Gray, 1831
  • Hydraspis subrufa
    — Gray, 1831
  • Pentonyx capensis
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835
  • Pentonyx galeata
    — A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835
  • Emys (Emys) capensis
    Fitzinger, 1835
  • Hydraspis (Pelomedusa) galeata
    — Fitzinger, 1835
  • Hydraspis (Pelomedusa) olivacea
    — Fitzinger, 1835
  • Hydraspis (Pelomedusa) planitia
    — Fitzinger, 1835
  • Pentonyx gehafie
    Rüppell, 1835
  • Pelomedusa gehafiae [sic]
    Gray, 1844
    (ex errore)
  • Pentonyx americana
    Cornalia, 1849
  • Pelomedusa mossambicensis
    W. Peters, 1856
    (nomen nudum)
  • Pelomedusa mozambica
    W. Peters, 1856
    (nomen nudum)
  • Pelomedusa nigra
    Gray, 1863
  • Pelomedusa gasconi
    Rochebrune, 1884
  • Pelomedusa galeata damarensis
    Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata devilliersi
    Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata galeata
    — Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata nigra
    — Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata orangensis
    Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata subrufa
    — Hewitt, 1935
  • Pelomedusa galeata gehafie
    Parker, 1936
  • Pelomedusa subrufa subrufa
    Mertens, 1937
  • Pelomedusa subrufa damarensis
    — Mertens, 1937
  • Pelomedusa subrufa gehafie
    — Mertens, 1937
  • Pelomedusa subrufa wettsteini
    Mertens, 1937
  • Pelomedusa subrufa orangensis
    — Hewitt, 1937
  • Pelomedusa subrufa olivacea
    Loveridge, 1941
  • Pelomedusa subrufa damaranus [sic]
    Heck, 1955
    (ex errore)
  • Pelomedusa subrufa nigra
    Bour, 1986

The African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also known commonly as the marsh terrapin, the crocodile turtle, or in the pet trade as the African side-necked turtle, is a species of omnivorous side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. The species naturally occurs in fresh and stagnant water bodies throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and in southern Yemen.

Contents

Description

The marsh terrapin is typically a rather small turtle, with most individuals being less than 20 cm (7.9 in) ranging from 15 to 21 centimeters [2] in straight carapace length, but one has been recorded with a length of 32.5 cm (12.8 in). It has a black or brown carapace. The top 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 3 cm (1.2 in) 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, the genus Pelomedusa does not have a hinged plastron (lower shell). All the other species in the family Pelomedusidae, however, do have this feature with which they can, using muscles, close the plastron to the carapace to cover the head and front limbs. Unlike many chelonians, the African helmeted turtle is able, when it finds itself upside down, to right itself with a vigorous flick of its long muscular neck. [3]

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. [4]

Geographic range

The geographic range of P. subrufa covers a large portion of Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to the Sudan. It can be found as far west as Ghana and as far south as Cape Town. It has also been found in Madagascar and Yemen. [5]

Habitat

P. subrufa is a semiaquatic animal, living in rivers, lakes, and marshes, and it also occupies rain pools and places that are fertilized.

Its preference seems to be for standing water, such as swamps, pans, dams, and lakes. However it is found to a lesser extent along rivers. It is generally absent from regions that are mountainous, forested, or desert. [6]

Diet

The African helmeted turtle is an omnivorous eater and will eat almost anything mainly involving aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and vegetation. [7] It may feed on carrion. The fine claws on its feet help it tear its prey apart. Hatchlings will eat tadpoles of many frog species, including Phrynomantis microps . [8]

Groups of P. subrufa have been observed capturing and drowning larger prey such as doves that come to drink; the commotion caused by these group attacks is often mistaken for crocodiles. All food is taken underwater to be eaten. [9]

Several large mammals such as warthogs, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceroses have recently been documented utilizing the turtles to remove parasites at popular wallowing holes. One such incident in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi park involved two African helmeted turtles removing ticks and blood-sucking flies from the body of a wallowing warthog. Though the turtles probably do not have a symbiotic relationship with these animals, it is very likely that the buffalo, rhinos, and warthogs seek them out and have learned to utilize them from past experiences. This behavior was documented for the first time in the September 2015 issue of Herpetological Review by Andy and Michelle Leighty Jones. [10]

Seasonal movements

During wet weather P. subrufa will often leave water bodies and embark on long overland journeys. During exceptionally dry weather when water bodies dry up, it will typically dig into the ground and bury itself until rains return; it has been known to spend months or even years in such a state. It will also hibernate during very cold weather, and aestivate during unusually hot, dry weather.

Reproduction

Courtship of P. subrufa is held year round. The male will follow the female, nodding his head in front of hers. If she is not responsive, she will nip and snap and walk away. If she is willing, she responds by nodding her head or just standing still, so he can mount her. While mating, each of the turtles shakes its head.

The female will lay two to ten eggs on average, normally during late spring and early summer. The eggs are placed in a flask-shaped nest about 4 to 7 in (10 to 18 cm) deep. The eggs hatch in 75– 90 days. [11]

Captivity

The African side-necked turtle is popular as a pet because of its unusual head tucking behavior.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pelomedusidae</span> Family of turtles

Pelomedusidae is a family of freshwater turtles endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar, São Tomé, and the Seychelles. They range in size from 12 to 45 cm in carapace length, and are generally roundish in shape. They are unable to fully withdraw their heads into their shells, instead drawing them to the side and folding them beneath the upper edge of their shells, hence are called African side-necked turtles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-footed tortoise</span> Species of tortoise

The red-footed tortoise is a species of tortoise from northern South America. These medium-sized tortoises generally average 30 cm (12 in) as adults, but can reach over 40 cm (16 in). They have dark-colored, “loaf”-shaped carapaces with a lighter patch in the middle of each scute, and a somewhat lighter-colored plastron (underbelly). They also have dark limbs dotted with brightly-colored scales, from which they get their name, that range from pale yellow to vivid or dark red. Visible differences are noted between red-footed tortoises from varying eco-regions. They are closely related to the more easterly-distributed yellow-footed tortoise of the Amazon Basin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian black turtle</span> Species of reptile found in South Asia

The Indian black turtle or Indian pond terrapin is a species of medium-sized freshwater turtle found in South Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern river terrapin</span> Species of turtle

The northern river terrapin is a species of riverine turtle native to Southeast Asia. It has been classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and considered extinct in much of its former range; as of 2018, the population in the wild was estimated at 100 mature individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black pond turtle</span> Species of turtle

The black pond turtle, also known commonly as the spotted pond turtle and the Indian spotted turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle in the family Geoemydidae. The species, which is endemic to South Asia, belongs to the monotypic genus Geoclemys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian roofed turtle</span> Species of turtle

The Indian roofed turtle is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae. It can be distinguished by the distinct "roof" at the topmost part of the shell. It is found in the major rivers of South Asia. It is a common pet in the Indian Subcontinent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florida softshell turtle</span> Species of turtle

The Florida softshell turtle is a species of turtle in the family Trionychidae. The species is native to the Southeastern United States.

<i>Pelusios</i> Genus of turtles

Pelusios is a genus of African side-necked turtles. With 17 described species, it is one of the most diverse genera of the turtle order (Testudines).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big-headed pantanal swamp turtle</span> Species of turtle

The big-headed pantanal swamp turtle or pantanal swamp turtle is a species of turtle in the family Chelidae found in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay.

The variable mud turtle, also known as Rhodesian mud turtle, Mashona hinged terrapin or variable hinged terrapin, is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae. It is widely distributed in Central, East, and Southern Africa. The species was officially described by John Hewitt in 1927 and had to be broken into subspecies due to color variations on the heads of the turtles acrost the regions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">East African black mud turtle</span> Species of turtle

The East African black mud turtle, also known as the Pan terrapin, is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae, native to eastern and southeastern Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black marsh turtle</span> Species of turtle

Siebenrockiella crassicollis is a freshwater turtle endemic to Southeast Asia. It is one of two species classified under the genus Siebenrockiella in the family Geoemydidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Striped mud turtle</span> Species of turtle

The striped mud turtle is a species of turtle in the family Kinosternidae. The species is native to the southeastern United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saw-shelled turtle</span> Species of turtle

The saw-shelled turtle is a species of turtle in the Chelidae family endemic to Australia, ranging along rivers and streams and connected swamps and lagoons from coastal Cape York Peninsula to northern New South Wales, with populations also noted as far south as Newcastle -. They are thought to have been introduced to Lake Eacham in the Atherton Tablelands. Other common English names are: serrated snapping turtle or common sawshell turtle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern river terrapin</span> Species of turtle

The southern river terrapin is a riverine turtle of the family Geoemydidae found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balkan terrapin</span> Species of turtle

The Balkan terrapin or western Caspian terrapin is a species of terrapin in the family Geoemydidae. It is found in the eastern Mediterranean region. While technically omnivorous, the terrapins are known to prefer meat. They can grow to 25 cm (9.8 in) in carapace length, although hatchlings are usually only 3 to 4 cm in length.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serrated hinged terrapin</span> African terrapin

The serrated hinged terrapin is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae. The species is native to East Africa and Southern Africa. There are two recognised subspecies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western black-bridged leaf turtle</span> Species of turtle

The western black-bridged leaf turtle is a species of Asian leaf turtle found in southern Indochina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adanson's mud turtle</span> Species of reptile

Adanson's mud turtle is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae. The species is endemic to north-central Africa.

<i>Pelomedusa galeata</i> Species of turtle

Pelomedusa galeata, commonly known as the South African helmeted terrapin and the cape terrapin, is a species of side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. It is endemic to South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique.

References

  1. Fritz, Uwe; Havaš, Peter (2007). "Checklist of Chelonians of the World". Vertebrate Zoology. 57 (2): 344–346. doi: 10.3897/vz.57.e30895 .
  2. S. Abouelela, Yara; R. T., Reem (2020). "Topographical and Morphological Studies on the African Helmeted Turtle (African Side-Necked Turtles - Pelomedusa Subrufa) with Special Reference to its Coelomic Cavity". Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. 8 (12). doi: 10.17582/journal.aavs/2020/8.12.1318.1324 .
  3. Baard EHW (1994). Cape Tortoises: Their identification and care. Cape Nature Conservation.
  4. Fritz, Uwe; Petzold, Alice; Kehlmaier, Christian; Kindler, Carolin; Cambell, Patrick; Hofmeyr, Margaretha D.; Branch, William R. (2014). "Disentangling the Pelomedusa complex using type specimens and historical DNA (Testudines: Pelomedusidae)". Zootaxa3795 (5): 501%u2013522.
  5. Branch, Bill (2001). Tortoises, Terrapins and Turtles of Africa. Cape Town: Struik Publishers. ISBN   978-1770074637.
  6. Boycott, Richard C., Bourquin, Ortwin (1988). The South African Tortoise Book. Johannesburg: Southern Book Publishers. p.60.
  7. Petrozzi, Fabio; Gonedele Bi, Sery; Segniagbeto, Gabriel Hoinsoudé; Pacini, Nic; Fa, Julia E.; Luiselli, Luca (2023-07-27). "Trophic Resource Use by Sympatric vs. Allopatric Pelomedusid Turtles in West African Forest Waterbodies". Biology. 12 (8): 1054. doi: 10.3390/biology12081054 . ISSN   2079-7737. PMC   10451615 . PMID   37626941.
  8. Rödel, Mark-Oliver (1999-01-01). "Predation on tadpoles by hatchlings of the freshwater turtle". Amphibia-Reptilia. 20 (2): 173–183. doi:10.1163/156853899X00187. ISSN   1568-5381.
  9. "Crocodile turtle or African helmeted turtle". Snakes-n-Scales. Archived from the original on 15 April 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2014.
  10. "Turtles Groom Warthog in Never-Before-Seen Behavior". nationalgeographic.com. 8 October 2015. Archived from the original on October 10, 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  11. Orenstein, Ronald (2012). Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins: A Natural History. Firefly Books. 448 pp. ISBN   978-1770851191

Further reading