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Project Noah Nature School
Pelusios sinuatus
Small terrapin.
Savanna/woodland, near seasonal river.
Observed in the Siphiso Valley, Mlawula Nature Reserve.
Spotted on Mar 3, 2014
Submitted on Mar 3, 2014
8 Comments
Video added.
I'll look for it!
Yours looks a lot happier! This one did not seem very impressed with having his morning excursion interrupted. I have a bit of video too, if it came out okay, I'll add it here.
Yours looks to be about the same size as this guy: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/149... I love how they always look like they are smiling :)
The other species of terrapin confirmed from this general area is the Serrated Hinged Terrapin, and this one didn't seem to have serrated marginal shields.
It didn't appear to be hinged, and the larger ones I've come across in the same area are most likely Pelomedusa subrufa. This one was a lot smaller, presumably a youngster.
Was the plastron hinged? It looks like it is, but pictures aren't super helpful for telling that. I can't find a match with a hinged plastron that's in range and has the chin barbels. If the plastron isn't hinged, then it's Pelomedusa subrufa :)
I like turtles!