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Pelusios upembae, known as the Upemba Mud Turtle, is a rare freshwater turtle found only in a small region of Africa. It belongs to the family Pelomedusidae and is not well-studied due to its limited range and low population data. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelusiosSpecies: P. upembae Common Names Upemba Mud…
The African Dwarf Mud Turtle is one of the smallest turtle species in the world. It stays tiny even as an adult, making it a favorite among turtle keepers who want a small, low-maintenance pet. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelusiosSpecies: Pelusios nanus Common Names African Dwarf Mud TurtleDwarf Sidelneck Turtle Identification…
Pelomedusa variabilis is a freshwater turtle known for its subtle differences in shell shape and color across different regions. It’s a recently recognized species that was once grouped with the more widespread Pelomedusa subrufa. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa variabilis Common Names Variable Helmeted TurtleAfrican Variable Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionPelomedusa…
Pelomedusa schweinfurthi, or Schweinfurth’s Helmeted Turtle, is a lesser-known freshwater turtle found in parts of central and eastern Africa. It belongs to a group of turtles known for their unique way of hiding their heads sideways into their shells instead of pulling them straight back. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa…
Pelomedusa olivacea, also known as Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found across parts of West and Central Africa. It’s part of the Pelomedusidae family and is known for its hinged plastron and helmet-like head. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa olivacea Common Names Schweigger’s African Helmeted TurtleWest African…
The Kobe Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa kobe) is a freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive domed shell and preference for still or slow-moving waters. It is part of the Pelomedusidae family, which includes other African side-necked turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: PelomedusidaeGenus: PelomedusaSpecies: Pelomedusa kobe Common Names Kobe Helmeted TurtleKobe Side-necked Turtle…
Pelodiscus shipian, also known as the stone slab soft-shelled turtle, is a freshwater species found in China. It was only recently described and is known for its flattened shell and unique habitat preference. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelodiscusSpecies: P. shipian Common Names Stone slab soft-shelled turtle Identification DescriptionPelodiscus shipian has a…
The lesser Chinese softshell turtle, Pelodiscus parviformis, is a small freshwater turtle native to China. Known for its leathery shell and secretive lifestyle, it often escapes notice despite its ecological importance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:This turtle is relatively small compared to its close relatives, with a flat, leathery shell that lacks the hard…
Pelodiscus maackii, also known as the Amur softshell turtle, is a freshwater species native to East Asia. With its smooth, leathery shell and fast-swimming skills, it stands out from other hard-shelled turtles. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelodiscusSpecies: Pelodiscus maackii Common Names Amur softshell turtleNorthern Chinese softshell turtle (in some regions) Identification…
Terrapene nelsoni, commonly known as the spotted box turtle, is a rare species of box turtle native to Mexico. Recognized for its distinctive spotted pattern on the shell, this species remains one of the least studied in the genus Terrapene. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: Terrapene nelsoni Common Names Spotted box…
Natator depressus, commonly known as the Flatback Sea Turtle, is a unique species found primarily in Australian waters. It is distinguished by its relatively flat shell and is one of the least migratory sea turtles, staying close to its coastal habitats. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: CheloniidaeGenus: NatatorSpecies: Natator depressus Common Names Flatback…
Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima, commonly known as the Painted Wood Turtle, is a strikingly patterned terrestrial turtle native to Central America. It is known for its vibrant red and yellow markings, making it one of the most colorful members of its genus. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima Common Names Painted Wood…
Myuchelys purvisi, commonly known as the Manning River snapping turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to Australia. This species is known for its unique head shape, strong jaws, and preference for the fast-flowing waters of the Manning River system. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: MyuchelysSpecies: Myuchelys purvisi Common Names Manning River snapping…
Myuchelys georgesi, commonly known as the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, is a rare freshwater species found only in a small stretch of the Bellinger River in New South Wales, Australia. This species is known for its unique head shape and was driven to the brink of extinction due to a deadly virus outbreak. Scientific Classification…
Mesoclemmys wermuthi, commonly known as Wermuth’s Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. Known for its unique head shape and vibrant coloration, this turtle plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Wermuth’s Toad-headed Turtle is characterized by its broad, flattened shell and…
Mesoclemmys perplexa, commonly known as the Piaui Side-necked Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. Known for its unique shell patterns and behaviors, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys perplexa features a moderately domed carapace with intricate patterns that…
Mesoclemmys nasuta, commonly known as the Guyanan Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to the northern regions of South America. Renowned for its unique head morphology and adaptable behavior, this turtle plays a vital role in its aquatic ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys nasuta features a domed carapace with…
Kinosternon oaxacae, commonly known as the Oaxaca Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to Mexico. Known for its unique domed shell and semi-aquatic lifestyle, it inhabits slow-moving water bodies and wetlands. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon oaxacae Common Names Oaxaca Mud Turtle Identification Description The Oaxaca Mud Turtle…
Kinosternon durangoense, commonly known as the Durango Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to Mexico. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in a variety of aquatic habitats, making it a resilient species despite environmental challenges. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon durangoense Common Names Durango Mud TurtleDurango Kinosternon Identification…
The Alamos Mud Turtle, scientifically known as Kinosternon alamosae, is a species of mud turtle endemic to Mexico. It primarily inhabits the states of Sinaloa and Sonora and is recognized for its unique adaptations to its environment, including remarkable thermal tolerance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat The Alamos Mud Turtle…
The forest hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys erosa) is a unique species native to the dense rainforests of central and western Africa. Known for the distinctive hinged section at the rear of its shell, this tortoise can protect its hind limbs and tail by closing the hinge, a feature uncommon among tortoises. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification…
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