Mashona hinged terrapin

Introduction: The Mashona Hinged Terrapin (Pelusios rhodesianus) is a medium-sized terrapin with smooth shell that is elongated and domed in shape and appearance. It has a small head and often sports 2 tentacles under the chin. So called because it was first recorded in Mashonaland in eastern Zimbabwe.

Distribution: Kavango River through Rundu and into the Okavango Swamps of the panhandle.

Diet: Frogs, small fish and aquatic insects.

Colouring: The shell is regular and even black colour with a black undersides and yellow centre.

Breeding: Females lay small clutches of soft-shelled eggs. Hatchlings have been recorded in December-January.

Size: Total length male and females 180mm to 220mm, maximum length of 250mm.