Pelusios rhodesianus (Variable mud turtle)
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Pelusios rhodesianus, also known as the variable mud turtle, is a small freshwater turtle known for its highly adaptable nature and wide range of shell patterns. It belongs to the family Pelomedusidae and is native to parts of southern and central Africa.
Native To These Regions
Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, ZimbabweNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: Pelusios rhodesianus
Common Names
Variable mud turtle
Rhodesian mud turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has an oval, domed carapace that can range from olive to brown or even black, often with light markings. The plastron is hinged, allowing partial shell closure. Its head is small with dark eyes and usually features yellow lines or spots.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males usually have longer and thicker tails than females. Females tend to have a slightly broader and rounder shell.
Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is found in freshwater habitats across several African countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Mozambique.
Preferred Habitat
Pelusios rhodesianus prefers slow-moving or still freshwater environments such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and slow rivers. It thrives in areas with muddy bottoms and plenty of vegetation for cover.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is omnivorous. Its diet includes insects, worms, aquatic plants, small fish, and carrion. It forages actively in the water and sometimes on land during rains.
Predators
Birds of prey, large fish, crocodiles, and humans are among its main predators.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding usually takes place during or right after the rainy season when water levels rise.
Reproductive Method
It is oviparous. Females lay eggs in nests dug near water sources. Clutch sizes can range from 3 to 12 eggs depending on the female’s size and habitat conditions.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Currently listed as least concern.
Threats
Threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and capture for the pet trade or local use.
Conservation Measures
Some populations exist in protected wetlands. Environmental education and wetland conservation efforts help reduce long-term risks.
Economic Importance
This species may be sold in local markets for meat or kept as a pet. It also plays a role in controlling insect populations and keeping aquatic ecosystems balanced.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many turtles, the variable mud turtle has a hinged plastron that lets it close part of its shell for protection.
It can survive dry seasons by burrowing into mud and going dormant until rains return.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
