Pelomedusa variabilis (Variable Helmeted Turtle)
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Pelomedusa variabilis is a freshwater turtle known for its subtle differences in shell shape and color across different regions. It’s a recently recognized species that was once grouped with the more widespread Pelomedusa subrufa.
Native To These Regions
Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, ZambiaNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelomedusa
Species: Pelomedusa variabilis
Common Names
Variable Helmeted Turtle
African Variable Mud Turtle
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Identification
Description
Pelomedusa variabilis has an oval, flattened shell that typically ranges in color from olive to dark brown. The plastron is lighter, often yellowish, and may have dark markings. The head is broad with a hooked upper jaw, and the skin color can vary across its range.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are usually larger than males. Males tend to have longer tails and slightly concave plastrons, which helps during mating.
Check more turtles from the Pelomedusa genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is found across parts of Central and West Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana. Its exact range is still being studied as it was only recently distinguished from its close relatives.
Preferred Habitat
It prefers slow-moving or still freshwater bodies like swamps, ponds, and marshes. It can also survive in temporary pools and is known to aestivate during dry periods by burrowing into the mud.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet includes insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish, and even carrion. It can also consume plant matter when animal food is scarce.
Predators
Young turtles face threats from birds, fish, and larger reptiles. Adults are mostly preyed upon by humans or large carnivores.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding usually occurs during or after the rainy season, when water bodies are more abundant.
Reproductive Method
Females lay several clutches of eggs in shallow nests on land. The eggs hatch after a few months, depending on temperature and humidity.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Currently not evaluated on the IUCN Red List as a separate species.
Threats
Habitat loss, pollution, and human harvesting for food or local trade are the main concerns.
Conservation Measures
Protected wetland zones and regional conservation programs that cover freshwater turtles help indirectly protect this species.
Economic Importance
It is sometimes collected for the pet trade and local consumption. Its presence in freshwater systems also helps control insect and snail populations.
Interesting Facts
It was only recently separated from Pelomedusa subrufa using genetic studies.
This turtle can survive extreme dry conditions by entering a dormant state underground.
It lacks a hinged plastron, unlike some of its turtle relatives, which means it can’t close its shell completely.
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.
