Senegal flapshell turtle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Senegal flapshell turtle
Underside of shell
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
CITES Appendix II (CITES)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Cyclanorbis
Species:	senegalensis
Synonyms
Cryptopus senegalensis A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1835 Emyda senegalensis — Gray, 1844 Cyclanorbis petersii Gray, 1854 Cyclanosteus petersii — Gray, 1856 Cycloderma senegalense — A.H.A. Duméril, 1860 (ex errore) Cycloderma petersii — Strauch, 1862 Cyclanosteus senegalensis — Gray, 1864 Tetrathyra baikii Gray, 1865 Tetrathyra vaillantii Rochebrune, 1884 Cyclanorbis senegalensis — Boulenger, 1889

The Senegal flapshell turtle (Cyclanorbis senegalensis) is a special kind of turtle. It belongs to the softshell turtle family, known as Trionychidae. This turtle is one of only two types in its group, called Cyclanorbis. You can only find this amazing creature living in Africa.

Where the Senegal Flapshell Turtle Lives

The Senegal flapshell turtle lives in many countries across Africa. You can find it in places like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. It also makes its home in Chad, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, and Gambia.

Other countries where this turtle lives include Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Mali. You might also spot it in Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Finally, it can be found in South Sudan, Sudan, and Togo.

A Senegal flapshell turtle in its natural environment.

What Kind of Home Does It Like?

The Senegal flapshell turtle prefers to live in certain natural places. Its favorite homes are freshwater wetlands, which are areas like swamps or marshes with lots of water. It also likes the savanna, which is a grassy plain with scattered trees.

What Does the Senegal Flapshell Turtle Look Like?

This turtle can grow quite large. Its carapace (the top part of its shell) can be about 35 centimeters (14 inches) long. The turtle's head is usually olive green and has many small white dots.

The top shell, or carapace, is also olive green. It might be a solid color or have small dark spots. When these turtles are first born, their shells have rows of tiny bumps. The bottom part of their shell, called the plastron, is yellowish and sometimes has brown cloudy marks.

What Does It Eat?

The Senegal flapshell turtle is a predator, meaning it hunts for its food. It enjoys eating tadpoles and other small amphibians. It also likes to catch and eat different kinds of fish.

Bigger adult Senegal flapshell turtles have very strong jaws. This helps them to eat tougher foods. They can even crack open and eat freshwater clams and snails!