Pelochelys signifera (Variegated Giant Softshell Turtle)

Pelochelys signifera (Variegated Giant Softshell Turtle)

Pelochelys signifera, or the Variegated Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. It lives in river systems of Papua New Guinea and is rarely seen due to its shy nature and remote habitat. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelochelysSpecies: Pelochelys signifera Common Names Variegated Giant Softshell…

Pelochelys bibroni (Bibron’s Giant soft-shelled Turtle)

Pelochelys bibroni (Bibron’s Giant soft-shelled Turtle)

Pelochelys bibroni, known as Bibron’s Giant Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles on Earth. It’s elusive and rarely seen, making it one of the most mysterious turtle species in the wild. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: PelochelysSpecies: Pelochelys bibroni Common Names Bibron’s Giant Soft-shelled TurtleSouthern New Guinea giant softshell…

Pangshura tecta (Indian roofed turtle)

Pangshura tecta (Indian roofed turtle)

The Indian roofed turtle is a small freshwater turtle known for the raised, pointed ridge on its shell. It lives in slow-moving rivers and ponds and is often seen basking on rocks or logs during the day. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: PangshuraSpecies: Pangshura tecta Common Names Indian roofed turtleRoofed turtle Identification…

Trionyx triunguis (African Softshell Turtle)

Trionyx triunguis (African Softshell Turtle)

The African Softshell Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is a large, freshwater turtle known for its flat, leathery shell and long neck. It is one of the few softshell turtles native to both Africa and the Middle East, often found in rivers, lakes, and even brackish waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus: TrionyxSpecies: Trionyx…

Trachemys yaquia (Yaqui Slider)

Trachemys yaquia (Yaqui Slider)

Trachemys yaquia, or the Yaqui Slider, is a freshwater turtle native to northern Mexico. It’s a close relative of the red-eared slider but lives in a much more limited range. This species is quite shy and depends heavily on clean, slow-moving waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys yaquia Common Names…

Trachemys ornata (Ornate Slider)

Trachemys ornata (Ornate Slider)

The Ornate Slider (Trachemys ornata) is a freshwater turtle known for its striking pattern and limited range in northeastern Mexico. It is closely related to the popular red-eared slider but is much rarer in the wild and rarely seen in the pet trade. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: T. ornata Common…

Trachemys gaigeae (Big Bend Slider)

Trachemys gaigeae (Big Bend Slider)

The Big Bend Slider (Trachemys gaigeae) is a freshwater turtle found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is closely related to the more common Red-eared Slider but is native to a limited range and shows some unique features. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys gaigeae Common Names Big…

Trachemys decorata (Hispaniolan slider)

Trachemys decorata (Hispaniolan slider)

Trachemys decorata, known as the Hispaniolan slider, is a freshwater turtle found only on the island of Hispaniola, shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It’s part of the pond slider group and is adapted to the tropical climate of the Caribbean. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys decorata Common Names…

Testudo horsfieldii (Russian Tortoise)

Testudo horsfieldii (Russian Tortoise)

The Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) is a small, hardy tortoise known for its burrowing habits and ability to survive in harsh, arid environments. Native to Central Asia, it is a popular pet due to its manageable size and resilience. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: TestudoSpecies: T. horsfieldii Common Names Russian TortoiseHorsfield’s TortoiseAfghan…

Testudo hermanni (Hermann’s Tortoise)

Testudo hermanni (Hermann’s Tortoise)

Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is a small to medium-sized land tortoise native to southern Europe. Recognized for its yellow and black patterned shell, this species thrives in warm, dry habitats and is popular in the pet trade due to its manageable size and hardy nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: TestudoSpecies: T….

Testudo graeca (Greek Tortoise)

Testudo graeca (Greek Tortoise)

The Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a small to medium-sized tortoise native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Known for its domed shell and long lifespan, this species thrives in dry, rocky habitats and has been kept as a pet for centuries. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: TestudoSpecies:…

Terrapene carolina major (Gulf Coast Box Turtle)

Terrapene carolina major (Gulf Coast Box Turtle)

The Gulf Coast Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina major) is the largest subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, known for its robust size and highly domed shell. Found along the Gulf of Mexico’s coastal regions, it thrives in humid environments and exhibits strong terrestrial tendencies while occasionally wading in shallow waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

Terrapene carolina bauri (Florida Box Turtle)

Terrapene carolina bauri (Florida Box Turtle)

The Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina bauri) is a subspecies of the Common Box Turtle, found primarily in Florida. Known for its striking yellow stripe patterns on a dark shell, this terrestrial turtle thrives in humid environments and is well-adapted to both forests and wetlands. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: Terrapene…

How To Take Care Of Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern Box Turtle)

The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a small, terrestrial turtle known for its high-domed shell and ability to close itself completely using a hinged plastron. Native to the eastern United States, it is a long-lived species often found in forests and grasslands, where it thrives in humid environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

How To Take Care Of Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina (Common Box Turtle)

Terrapene carolina, commonly known as the Common Box Turtle, is a terrestrial species native to North America. Recognized for its domed shell and hinged plastron, it can completely close itself inside for protection. This turtle is known for its long lifespan, sometimes exceeding 100 years. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: T….

Notochelys platynota (Malayan flat-shelled turtle)

Notochelys platynota (Malayan flat-shelled turtle)

Notochelys platynota, commonly known as the Malayan flat-shelled turtle, is a freshwater species native to Southeast Asia. It is recognized for its distinctive flattened carapace and semi-aquatic lifestyle, often found in slow-moving water bodies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: NotochelysSpecies: Notochelys platynota Common Names Malayan flat-shelled turtleFlat-shelled terrapin Identification Description This species…

Rheodytes leukops (Fitzroy River Turtle)

Rheodytes leukops (Fitzroy River Turtle)

Rheodytes leukops, commonly known as the Fitzroy River Turtle, is a unique freshwater species found only in Australia. It is best known for its ability to extract oxygen from water through cloacal respiration, allowing it to stay submerged for extended periods. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: RheodytesSpecies: Rheodytes leukops Common Names Fitzroy…

Mesoclemmys zuliae (Zulia toad-headed turtle)

Mesoclemmys zuliae (Zulia toad-headed turtle)

Mesoclemmys zuliae, commonly known as the Zulia toad-headed turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. Renowned for its unique head shape and vibrant coloration, this turtle plays a significant role in its native ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Zulia toad-headed turtle features a robust, dome-shaped shell…