Pelusios gabonensis (African Forest Turtle)
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Pelusios gabonensis is a semi-aquatic turtle found mostly in the tropical forests and swamps of central and western Africa. It is known for its hinged plastron, allowing it to close its shell tightly when threatened.
Native To These Regions
Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Republic of the CongoNative Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: Pelusios gabonensis
Common Names
African Forest Turtle
Gabon Mud Turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a dark brown to black domed carapace with a yellow to cream-colored plastron. The plastron has a hinge, which helps it shut tightly for protection. Its head is rounded, often with yellow markings on the sides and neck. Adults usually grow up to 8–10 inches in shell length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller than females but have longer, thicker tails. Females have a broader shell and shorter tail.
Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
It is native to central and western Africa. Countries where it’s commonly found include Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, and parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Preferred Habitat
This turtle prefers lowland tropical rainforests, swamps, slow-moving rivers, and marshes. It spends much of its time in shallow water with dense vegetation and soft mud bottoms.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is omnivorous. Its diet includes aquatic insects, worms, snails, small fish, and plant matter like leaves and fallen fruits.
Predators
Young turtles face threats from birds, snakes, and large fish. Adults may be hunted by crocodiles and humans.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding typically takes place during the rainy season when water bodies are more accessible.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs in soft soil or leaf litter near water. The number of eggs per clutch is usually small, around 4–6 eggs.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Threats
Major threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, pollution of water bodies, and collection for the pet trade or local consumption.
Conservation Measures
Protected in several national parks and reserves. Some local laws restrict its trade and capture.
Economic Importance
In some rural areas, locals hunt it for food. Occasionally it appears in the pet trade, but it’s not a common species in captivity.
Interesting Facts
It belongs to a group of side-necked turtles, meaning it folds its head sideways into its shell rather than pulling it straight back.
The hinged plastron gives it a stronger defense against predators than many other freshwater turtles.
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.
