Nile terrapin

Introduction: The Nile Soft-Shelled Terrapin (Trionyx triunguis) is a large terrapin with an elongated and somewhat flat head, complete with the traditional snorkel-like snout. They are, and need to be, fast creatures as they are much sought after for their meat, which by all accounts has a rich and oily veal taste. Heavily preyed upon, they do not hesitate to bite at any sign of danger and they have very sharp jaws capable of taking off your finger.

Although they are a freshwater creature they can survive in seawater and are seen in estuaries frequently. Some of these species have been known to live for 42 years.

Distribution: The very far north-eastern reaches of Namibia in and around the deeper waters of the Kunene River and estuary areas and downstream of Ruacana Falls.

Diet: The Nile soft-shelled terrapin are omnivorous. They eat insects, frogs, molluscs and fish as well as fruits and palm nuts.

Colouring: Dark brown or olive shell, often covered with small white or yellow spots. The underside is white and the head and limbs are heavily spotted and dark in colour.

Breeding: Females lay between 25 and 60 round, hard-shelled eggs in nests that are buried deep in sandbanks of rivers. Eggs hatch between 76 to 78 days.

Size: Total length male: 400 to 600mm. Female: 950mm.

Weight: Up to a maximum of 40kg.