Okavango hinged terrapin

Introduction: The Okavango Hinged Terrapin (Pelusios bechuanicus) is a large terrapin bearing a heavy, elongated, domed shell. It has a very large head, smooth beak and often sports 3 tentacles under the chin. They live in deep, clear water.

Distribution: The Zambezi River above Victoria Falls, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Bwabwata National Park and the Okavango Delta and other areas in and around Chobe National Park.

Diet: Fish and invertebrates.

Colouring: A uniform black carapace with a mainly black (with yellow marking in the centre) undersides. The head is black with yellowish neck and limbs.

Breeding: Females lay large clutches of soft-shelled eggs in damp soil in the early summer.

Size: Total length male 250mm to 300mm. Females 330mm.