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Pelomedusa galeata

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Pelomedusa galeata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Suborder: Pleurodira
Family: Pelomedusidae
Genus: Pelomedusa
Species:
P. galeata
Binomial name
Pelomedusa galeata
Schoepff, 1792
Map

Pelomedusa galeata, commonly known as the South African helmeted terrapin and the cape terrapin, is a species of side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. It is endemic to South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique.[2]

Range

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The cape terrapin is found in all South African provinces, Eswatini and southern Mozambique. It is absent from the Bushmanland bioregion in the Northern Cape.[2]

Description

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Adults average 26 cm (10 in) in straight carapace length; and up to 32.5 cm (12.8 in) in exceptional cases.[2]

Habitat

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The cape terrapin is found in fresh and stagnant water bodies, but not in mountainous or forested terrain.[2]

Reproduction

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Mating of the cape terrapin occurs during spring. Nesting occurs from late spring to autumn. Up to 30 eggs are laid in an 18 by 9 cm (7.1 by 3.5 in) chamber close to the water. Incubation is roughly three months.[2]

Conservation status

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As of 2017, the cape terrapin has been assessed as least concern due to its widespread occurrence. The population group in western South Africa could be a candidate species.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hofmeyr, M.D.; Fritz, U. (2019) [errata version of 2018 assessment]. "Pelomedusa galeata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T113551736A144762886. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T113551736A144762886.en. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Red List of South African Species - Pelomedusa galeata". South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
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