Cycloderma aubryi (Aubry’s flapshell turtle)
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Cycloderma aubryi, also known as Aubry’s flapshell turtle, is a freshwater species native to Central and West Africa. This turtle is known for its flattened, leathery carapace and its ability to adapt to various aquatic environments.
Native To These Regions
Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, UgandaNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Trionychidae
- Genus: Cycloderma
- Species: Cycloderma aubryi
Common Names
- Aubry’s flapshell turtle
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Identification
Description
Aubry’s softshell turtle has a distinct flat, oval-shaped, leathery carapace, which is typically olive to brown in color with darker blotches. The soft, flexible shell helps it move more efficiently in water. Its limbs are webbed, aiding in its swimming capabilities, and the head is small and elongated.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are generally larger than males, and males tend to have longer tails. Males also have a more concave plastron, while the females’ plastron is flatter.
Check more turtles from the Cycloderma genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found across Central and West Africa, with known populations in countries like Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon.
Preferred Habitat
Cycloderma aubryi prefers slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps with soft, sandy or muddy substrates where it can easily burrow for camouflage and protection.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Aubry’s softshell turtle is primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and mollusks. It uses its long neck to catch prey in quick strikes.
Predators
Predators include larger fish, crocodiles, and birds of prey. Human activity also poses a threat through habitat destruction and hunting.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
The breeding season occurs during the wet season, when environmental conditions are optimal for egg incubation.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs in sandy riverbanks or soft soil near water. They dig shallow nests and deposit multiple eggs, which incubate for several months before hatching.
Conservation
Extinction Status
The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Major threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and overharvesting for food and the pet trade.
Conservation Measures
Conservation efforts include habitat protection, stricter hunting regulations, and community education programs to raise awareness of the species’ decline.
Economic Importance
In some areas, Cycloderma aubryi is harvested for its meat, which is considered a delicacy, and occasionally for the pet trade.
Interesting Facts
- Cycloderma aubryi can stay submerged for long periods, utilizing a unique ability to absorb oxygen through the skin.
- Its softshell makes it highly flexible and capable of rapid underwater movement.
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.
