Variable mud turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Variable mud turtle |
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Pelusios nigricans rhodesianus Hewitt, 1927 |
The variable mud turtle (Pelusios rhodesianus) is a type of turtle that lives in water. It's also called the Rhodesian mud turtle or variable hinged terrapin. You can find these turtles in many parts of Africa, including Central, East, and Southern Africa. A scientist named John Hewitt first described this species in 1927. He noticed that the turtles had different color patterns on their heads in different areas.
Where Do Variable Mud Turtles Live?
These turtles live in many countries across Africa. You can find them in the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. They also live in Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa. Variable mud turtles usually live in or near water. They like places like lagoons or swampy areas.
Are They Safe? Conservation Status
The variable mud turtle (Pelusios rhodesianus) is currently listed as "least concern." This means they are not in immediate danger of disappearing. However, scientists have seen fewer of these turtles. Other types of turtles in the same family are also decreasing.
One big reason for this is that their water homes are being changed or destroyed. For example, building dams can hurt their habitat. Sadly, one turtle species, the Pelusios seychellensis, recently became extinct. This happened for the same reasons. The variable mud turtle's family, Pelomedusidae, and another family, Pelomedusa, are the last two groups left of a much larger ancient turtle group called Pelomedusoides.
Cool Facts About Variable Mud Turtles
- All the turtles in this family love water. They spend most of their time there.
- These turtles have a special hinge on their shell. This hinge lets them close the front part of their shell. It helps protect their head and front legs.
- You might sometimes see these turtles with burn marks on their shells. This can happen from brush fires in their habitat.
