Acanthochelys macrocephala (Pantanal swamp turtle)

Acanthochelys macrocephala is a lesser-known turtle species. Here is a detailed description of this species according to the provided structure:

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Chelidae
• Genus: Acanthochelys
• Species: A. macrocephala

Common Names

Acanthochelys macrocephala is commonly known as the Big-headed pantanal swamp turtle, Pantanal swamp turtle.

Identification

• Description: This turtle has a notably large head relative to its body size. The carapace is typically dark with a rugged texture. It can grow to a moderate size with a shell length of up to 20 cm.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Typically, males have longer, thicker tails and may have a more pronounced curvature of the plastron compared to females.

Native Origin and Distribution

• Geographical Range: The species is native to the wetlands of the Pantanal region, which spans parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Preferred Habitat

Acanthochelys macrocephala prefers freshwater environments such as swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers abundant in aquatic vegetation.

Behavior

• Feeding Habits: It is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, fruits, and small invertebrates.
• Predators: Natural predators include larger fish, birds of prey, and some mammals.

Reproduction

• Breeding Season: The breeding season typically coincides with the rainy season, allowing the offspring to have access to abundant water and food.
• Reproductive Method: Females lay eggs in nests made in the soil near water bodies. The eggs hatch in about three months.

Conservation

• Extinction Status: The conservation status of Acanthochelys macrocephala has not been well-documented but it is likely vulnerable due to habitat loss and degradation.
• Threats: Major threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and the illegal pet trade.
• Conservation Measures: Efforts to protect their natural habitat are crucial, and it benefits from the general conservation measures taken in the Pantanal wetlands.

Economic Importance

The economic importance of this turtle species is minimal, although it may play a role in local ecosystems by contributing to the control of aquatic vegetation and invertebrate populations.

Interesting Facts

• Acanthochelys macrocephala has an unusually large head, which is a distinctive feature not commonly observed in closely related species.
• This turtle is mostly nocturnal, becoming more active during the night.

Research Studies

Research on Acanthochelys macrocephala is limited. Studies are generally focused on its ecology and the impacts of environmental changes on its survival.

• Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. Rhodin, Anders G. J., Russell A. Mittermeier, and Carl H. Emst. 1990. Acanthochelys macrocephala