Pan hinged terrapin

Introduction: The Pan Hinged Terrapin (Pelusios subniger) is a small hinged terrapin carrying a smooth, rounded shell and a small plastral hinge. It has a large head, a blunt snout and smooth beak. In periods of drought they can often be found on land scarred by fire.

Distribution: Pans and temporary water ways of the Bwabwata National Park and Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Zambezi and Chobe Rivers.

Diet: Small frogs and invertebrates.

Colouring: A uniform brown shell that turns brown-grey when dry. The bridge is yellow and brown and the head is brown. The neck and limbs are grey or black.

Breeding: Females nest in the summer and 8 eggs can be laid between February and March. Incubation last around 100 days.

Size: Total length male 130 to 180mm. Females 200mm.