Pelomedusa olivacea (Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle)

Conservation Status:
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Home > Turtle Database > Pelomedusa olivacea (Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle)

Credit: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/

Pelomedusa olivacea, also known as Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle, is a freshwater turtle found across parts of West and Central Africa. It’s part of the Pelomedusidae family and is known for its hinged plastron and helmet-like head.

Native To These Regions

Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

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

Common Names

Schweigger’s African Helmeted Turtle
West African Helmeted Turtle

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Identification

Description
This turtle has a domed, olive to brown carapace with a broad and slightly flattened body. The plastron is hinged, allowing partial closure. The head is broad and covered with smooth skin. Like all side-necked turtles, it bends its neck sideways to hide its head.

Sexual Dimorphism
Females tend to be larger than males. Males usually have longer tails and slightly concave plastrons.

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 olivacea is found across a wide region of West and Central Africa. Countries include Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, and others in that belt. It often overlaps in range with other Pelomedusa species.

Preferred Habitat

It lives in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, marshes, and small rivers. It can also survive in temporary water bodies and is known to aestivate during dry periods.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
It is omnivorous but leans heavily toward carnivory. It eats insects, crustaceans, small fish, amphibians, and carrion. In captivity, it can adapt to pellets and meaty foods.

Predators
Birds of prey, large fish, monitor lizards, and crocodiles are known to prey on this turtle. Hatchlings are more vulnerable to small mammals and birds.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Breeding generally follows the rainy season when water bodies fill up. This can vary depending on local climate.

Reproductive Method
Oviparous. Females lay clutches of 6–18 eggs in moist soil near water. Incubation lasts 2–3 months depending on temperature.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Not officially listed as endangered, but specific data is limited. It may be impacted by habitat loss and pollution.

Threats
Wetland destruction, water pollution, and collection for the pet trade are key threats. Also at risk from road mortality and bushmeat practices in some areas.

Conservation Measures
There are no widespread conservation programs focused on this specific species. General freshwater habitat protection efforts may benefit it indirectly.

Economic Importance

It is sometimes collected for the local pet trade and may also be used as food in rural areas. Its adaptable nature makes it a hardy captive species for turtle hobbyists.

Interesting Facts

  • This turtle can survive long periods without water by digging into the mud and going dormant.
  • Its hinged plastron is not common in all turtle families but offers extra protection.
  • It often gets mistaken for other Pelomedusa species due to overlapping ranges and similar looks.

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.