Pelomedusa gehafie (Eritrean helmeted turtle)
Home > Turtle Database > Pelomedusa gehafie (Eritrean helmeted turtle)
Pelomedusa gehafie, known as the Eritrean helmeted turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to the Horn of Africa. It stands out from its close relatives with subtle physical differences and occupies a unique ecological niche in its native range.
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelomedusa
Species: Pelomedusa gehafie
Common Names
Eritrean helmeted turtle
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Identification
Description
Pelomedusa gehafie has a domed, oval-shaped carapace that is dark brown or olive. The plastron is lighter with dark seams. The head is broad with a blunt snout, and the skin is typically grayish with subtle spotting. It lacks a hinged plastron, which is common in the Pelomedusidae family.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have longer, thicker tails and slightly smaller carapaces compared to females. Females tend to be bulkier, especially during the breeding season.
Check more turtles from the Pelomedusa genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is primarily found in Eritrea, but populations also extend into neighboring regions of Sudan and Ethiopia.
Preferred Habitat
Pelomedusa gehafie prefers slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, swamps, and seasonal rivers. It thrives in temporary pools formed during the rainy season and can burrow into mud to survive dry periods.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and plant matter. It often scavenges, making use of whatever food sources are available.
Predators
Natural predators include large birds like herons, monitor lizards, and crocodiles. Hatchlings are especially vulnerable to predation.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding generally coincides with the rainy season when water bodies are full, typically from late spring to early summer.
Reproductive Method
Pelomedusa gehafie is oviparous, laying clutches of 10-25 eggs in sandy or muddy banks. The eggs incubate for about 2-3 months before hatching.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Not yet evaluated by the IUCN. However, its localized range makes it vulnerable to habitat changes.
Threats
Major threats include habitat loss from agriculture, water pollution, and the drying up of wetlands due to climate change.
Conservation Measures
There are no targeted conservation programs yet, but wetland preservation in Eritrea and surrounding regions indirectly benefits the species.
Economic Importance
The Eritrean helmeted turtle plays a minor role in local economies, mostly in subsistence fishing communities where turtles might be occasionally harvested for food.
Interesting Facts
Pelomedusa gehafie can survive long droughts by estivating in mud. It has a flexible diet and will even scavenge dead animals, which helps keep its ecosystem clean.
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.
