Pelomedusa galeata
| Pelomedusa galeata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Pleurodira |
| Family: | Pelomedusidae |
| Genus: | Pelomedusa |
| Species: | P. galeata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pelomedusa galeata Schoepff, 1792
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| |
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.[2]
Range
[edit]The cape terrapin is found in all South African provinces, Eswatini and southern Mozambique. It is absent from the Bushmanland bioregion in the Northern Cape.[2]
Description
[edit]Adults average 26 cm (10 in) in straight carapace length; and up to 32.5 cm (12.8 in) in exceptional cases.[2]
Habitat
[edit]The cape terrapin is found in fresh and stagnant water bodies, but not in mountainous or forested terrain.[2]
Reproduction
[edit]Mating of the cape terrapin occurs during spring. Nesting occurs from late spring to autumn. Up to 30 eggs are laid in an 18 by 9 cm (7.1 by 3.5 in) chamber close to the water. Incubation is roughly three months.[2]
Conservation status
[edit]As of 2017, the cape terrapin has been assessed as least concern due to its widespread occurrence. The population group in western South Africa could be a candidate species.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Hofmeyr, M.D.; Fritz, U. (2019) [errata version of 2018 assessment]. "Pelomedusa galeata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T113551736A144762886. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T113551736A144762886.en. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Red List of South African Species - Pelomedusa galeata". South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Pelomedusa galeata at Wikimedia Commons
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