Pelusios sinuatus (Serrated hinged terrapin)
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The Pelusios sinuatus, also called the serrated hinged terrapin, is a freshwater turtle found mostly in southern Africa. It gets its name from the serrated edge at the back of its shell and its special hinged plastron that helps it close its shell tightly for protection.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelusios
Species: P. sinuatus
Common Names
Serrated hinged terrapin
Serrated mud turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a dark brown to olive shell with a jagged, saw-like rear edge. The plastron is yellowish and hinged, allowing it to close tightly against the top shell. The head is olive to gray with some darker markings.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller with longer, thicker tails. Females are larger, especially in the shell size, to accommodate eggs.
Check more turtles from the Pelusios genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Found across southern and eastern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Preferred Habitat
They live in slow-moving or still freshwater areas like ponds, marshes, lakes, and swamps. They prefer places with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are omnivores. They eat insects, small fish, amphibians, and some plants. They forage both in water and on land.
Predators
Eggs and hatchlings are eaten by birds, monitor lizards, and fish. Adults are less targeted due to their tough shells, but large mammals or birds of prey may still pose a threat.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating happens mostly in the warmer months, especially during the rainy season.
Reproductive Method
Females lay eggs in burrows dug in soft soil near water. Clutch size can vary, but usually ranges from 10 to 25 eggs.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Threats
Habitat loss, water pollution, and collection for the pet trade. Some also die crossing roads during migrations.
Conservation Measures
Protected in several national parks. Some local education programs help reduce roadkill and illegal pet trade.
Economic Importance
They sometimes help control pests by eating insects and small animals. They’re also kept as pets in some regions, though this is discouraged to protect wild populations.
Interesting Facts
- Their hinged plastron lets them close their shells almost like a box.
- They can survive dry spells by burying themselves in mud and going dormant.
- Despite their tough look, they are shy and quick to hide in water when disturbed.
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.
