Terrapin: Helmeted/Marsh

[leopardspotter]

Helmeted or Marsh Terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa)

I recently had a good sighting of one of these guys, I read up on them and found some info that I found very interesting.

Marsh/Helmeted Terrapins are omnvorous, they eat almost anything, including water weed, insects and frogs. In some regions they act like crocodiles, they ambush, drown and then devour doves and sand grouse drinking at the water's edge.
The female lays her eggs (10-35) in a flask shaped pit which she digs with her hind feet in soft soil, if the ground is too hard she will urinate to soften it.

[anne-marie]

I found this one in KTP, Jan. 2012





and try to come to the car... like in another park

there is Terrapine in KTP ?

thanks in advance

[pantera leo]

Marsh Terrapin is the only species found in the park Anne-Marie! Interesting though never thought you would find them there.

[gavgold]

We've just returned from Addo where, once the flood waters resided, we stayed at Nyati.

Whille sitting at the deck overlooking the water at the entrance I saw what I think is a terrapin or turtle. I have thus far been unable to identify it. the images aren't great but it was the best I could do with the muddy waters.

Seen at Nyati deck

Does anyone have any ideas?

[Elsa]

Warm welcome to the forum gavgold.

Not an expert on Terrapins but I wonder if it could possibly be Helmeted/Marsh

[gavgold]

Thanks for your response Elsa. What struck me about the sighting was the bulbous eyes which none of the images I've looked at share so I'm not sure what to make of it.