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 all the way 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, and can also be found in rain pools and places with lots of plants. It likes to stay in calm, standing water such as swamps, pans, dams, and lakes. You won't usually find it in mountains, forests, or deserts.

Diet

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

Big animals, such as warthogs, sometimes visit places where these turtles gather. The turtles help by cleaning parasites off the animals' skin. This is helpful for the animals, but the turtles likely do not get much benefit from it. This cleaning behavior was first written about in 2015.

Seasonal movements

During wet weather, the African helmeted turtle often leaves water and travels long distances on land. When water bodies dry up during very dry weather, it digs into the ground and stays buried until the rains come back. It can remain buried for months or even years. The turtle also finds ways to rest during very cold weather and during unusually hot, dry weather.

Reproduction

African helmeted turtles can mate any time of the year. The male follows the female and moves his head in front of hers. If she is not interested, she may move away. If she is ready, she will stay still or move her head too, allowing the male to climb on top. Both turtles shake their heads during this time.

The female usually lays between two and ten eggs in late spring or early summer. She places the eggs in a small, flask-shaped hole in the ground, about 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters) deep. The eggs take between 75 and 90 days to hatch.

Captivity

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