Pelusios adansonii (Adanson’s Mud Turtle)
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Pelusios adansonii, or Adanson’s Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle mostly found in parts of West and Central Africa. Known for its shy nature and flexible shell, this species thrives in slow-moving waters.
Native To These Regions
Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, TogoNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: Pelusios adansonii
Common Names
Adanson’s Mud Turtle
West African Mud Turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a dark brown to olive upper shell (carapace) and a lighter yellowish bottom shell (plastron) with a distinct hinge that allows it to close up for protection. It has webbed feet and a flat, oval-shaped body. Its head is small with a blunt snout and two barbels under the chin.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males usually have longer, thicker tails, and slightly smaller bodies compared to females. Females tend to have a more domed carapace.
Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is found across parts of West and Central Africa, including countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and the Central African Republic.
Preferred Habitat
They prefer freshwater habitats like slow-moving rivers, marshes, ponds, and swamps. They are often found in muddy or vegetated waters with soft bottoms where they can burrow.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Adanson’s Mud Turtle is omnivorous. It eats insects, crustaceans, fish, aquatic plants, and carrion. It often forages at dusk or during the night.
Predators
Young turtles are preyed upon by birds, fish, and mammals. Adults have fewer predators but are still at risk from humans and large aquatic animals.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding likely occurs during the rainy season, but exact timing varies by location.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs on land in shallow nests. The clutch size is small, often between 2 to 8 eggs. The eggs hatch after a few months, depending on temperature and humidity.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Habitat loss, water pollution, and local hunting for food pose the biggest threats.
Conservation Measures
There are no major global efforts targeting this species, but local protections may exist in some areas. Its wide range offers some natural protection.
Economic Importance
In some regions, locals capture and sell them for meat or as pets. They’re also used in traditional practices in certain cultures.
Interesting Facts
Adanson’s Mud Turtle has a hinged plastron that helps it close up its shell tightly, a unique defense not all turtles have.
It’s named after the French naturalist Michel Adanson, who explored parts of Africa in the 18th century.
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.
