Pelomedusa barbata (African Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa barbata, known as the African Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater turtle famous for its hinged plastron and tough, dome-shaped shell. It’s a hardy species, well-adapted to survive harsh conditions like droughts.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Pelomedusidae
• Genus: Pelomedusa
• Species: Pelomedusa barbata

Common Names

African Helmeted Turtle
Barbata Helmeted Turtle

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Identification

Description
This turtle has a broad, oval-shaped shell, often dark brown or olive in color, with a distinctively domed top. The plastron (underside) is hinged, allowing the turtle to fold it up for added protection. The skin is grayish-brown, with barbels (fleshy projections) under the chin, which help in sensing food.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally smaller than females but have longer, thicker tails. Females have shorter tails and broader bodies, especially noticeable during breeding seasons.

Check more turtles from the Pelomedusa genus

Pelomedusa variabilis (Variable Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa subrufa (East African Helmeted Turtle)

Pelomedusa somalica (Somali Helmeted Turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
Pelomedusa barbata is native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in central and western regions. It inhabits countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Preferred Habitat

They favor slow-moving or still freshwater bodies such as ponds, marshes, and swamps. They can also tolerate brackish waters and are known to bury themselves in mud during dry seasons to avoid dehydration.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
These turtles are opportunistic feeders. They eat insects, small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and sometimes plant matter. Their barbels help detect prey hidden in murky waters.

Predators
Young turtles are vulnerable to birds, large fish, and mammals. Adults have fewer predators but may still face threats from crocodiles or humans.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs during the wet season when water bodies are full.

Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs on land, digging shallow nests. Clutch sizes can vary, but they typically lay between 10-25 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts around 2-4 months, depending on temperature.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Least Concern

Threats
Habitat loss from agriculture and urbanization, pollution, and collection for the pet trade pose risks.

Conservation Measures
No specific measures target Pelomedusa barbata, but protected areas in its range help safeguard populations. Responsible pet trade practices are also encouraged.

Economic Importance

They are sometimes collected for the pet trade due to their hardy nature and interesting appearance. In some regions, locals may also harvest them for food.

Interesting Facts

Pelomedusa barbata can survive long periods without water by burrowing into the mud and entering a dormant state called aestivation. This survival strategy helps them endure dry spells common in their native habitats.

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.