African helmeted turtle

The African helmeted turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa), also called the marsh terrapin, crocodile turtle, or African side-necked turtle, is a type of omnivorous side-necked terrapin. It belongs to the family Pelomedusidae.

These turtles live in fresh and stagnant water bodies across much of Sub-Saharan Africa and southern Yemen.

They are interesting because of their unique way of moving their necks sideways, which helps them stay safe while swimming and exploring their environment.

Description

The African helmeted turtle, also called the marsh terrapin, is a small turtle. Most of them are less than 20 cm (7.9 in) long, but one was measured at 32.5 cm (12.8 in). They have a black or brown shell on top, with grayish-brown tails and feet. The bottom shell is usually yellowish.

Males have long, thick tails, while females have shorter tails and broader shells. Baby turtles are about 3 cm (1.2 in) long and are olive to black in color. They also have small bumps under their chins and special glands on the sides of their shells.

Unlike other turtles in its family, the African helmeted turtle cannot close its bottom shell to protect itself. However, it can flip itself right side up again if it is on its back, using its strong neck. Scientists now think there may be at least 10 different kinds of these turtles, not just one.

Geographic range

The African helmeted turtle lives in many parts of Africa, from Cape Town in the south to Sudan in the north and Ghana in the west. People have also found these turtles in Madagascar and Yemen.

Habitat

The African helmeted turtle lives in rivers, lakes, and marshes. It can also be found in rain pools and areas with many plants. It prefers calm, still water like swamps, small ponds, and lakes. You typically won’t find it in mountains, forests, or deserts.

Diet

The African helmeted turtle eats both plants and small animals. It likes to eat small fish, water bugs, and plants. Young turtles enjoy eating tadpoles. Sometimes, these turtles work together to catch bigger food, like birds that come to drink.

Big animals, such as warthogs, sometimes visit where these turtles are. The turtles help by cleaning parasites off the animals' skin. This helps the animals.

Seasonal movements

When it is wet, the African helmeted turtle often leaves the water and walks far on land. If water dries up, the turtle digs into the ground and stays there until the rains return. It can stay buried for months or even years. The turtle also finds ways to rest when the weather is very cold or very hot and dry.

Reproduction

African helmeted turtles can mate any time of the year. The male follows the female. If she is ready, he climbs on top. Both turtles shake their heads.

The female usually lays between two and ten eggs in late spring or early summer. She puts the eggs in a small hole in the ground. The eggs take between 75 and 90 days to hatch.

Captivity

The African side-necked turtle is often kept as a pet. People like it because of its special way of hiding its head.