What kind of head does a West African mud turtle have?

What kind of head does a West African mud turtle have?

Light to yellow reticulations which are more or less defined are found here. This trait separates them from the East African mud turtle ( Pelusios subniger) which features an unmarked head and a “figure 8” shaped plastron. Both P. castaneus and P. subniger exhibit a hinged plastron.

Where was the Pelusios subniger found in Florida?

Means of Introduction: Pelusios subniger in Florida were originally released by an animal dealer (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). Status: Bartlett and Bartlett (1999) regard this turtle as tenuously established in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Specimens have not been found in interconnecting canals and waterways (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999).

Can a black mud turtle survive a wildfire?

This is a secretive, highly aquatic turtle that may wander over land, and has been known to survive drought and wildfires (Ernst and Barbour, 1989; Schwartz and Henderson, 1991; Branch, 1983, 1998; Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999).

How long does a West African mud turtle live?

Like many of the world’s chelonians, Pelusios castaneus has the potential to live a long life. Reports typically suggest more than 50 years in captivity for this species. Outdoors, West African mud turtles can be housed in ponds and water gardens.

How big does a Pelusios mud turtle get?

Only one, Pelusios subniger, regularly appears in the pet trade and is sometimes bred in captivity. It is a medium sized turtle that can reach 8 inches as an adult. (Another genus is very similar in appearance and habitat requirements, but is distinguished from Pelusios by the absence of a plastral hinge.

Is the West African mud turtle a concern?

The West African mud turtle joins itself alongside some of the most primeval species of turtles having first walked the planet some 120 million years ago. Today, it remains on the IUCN’s list of species of “least concern,” meaning it appears to be doing rather well in nature.

Means of Introduction: Pelusios subniger in Florida were originally released by an animal dealer (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999). Status: Bartlett and Bartlett (1999) regard this turtle as tenuously established in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Specimens have not been found in interconnecting canals and waterways (Bartlett and Bartlett, 1999).

What kind of turtle has an endearing expression?

One such animal is the West African mud turtle ( Pelusios castaneus ). The West African mud turtle has an endearing expression due to its “smile.”