ANIMALS FINDER

Nile softshelled turtle

< 1 - 2 >

Image Video

Hàbitat Natural
Location in the zoo

Escolta'l

Geographic distribution:

Africa except for the extreme north and south

Scientific name:
- Trionyx triunguis
Taxonomy:
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudinata
- Family: Trionychidae
Biology:
- Area of origin: Africa
- Habitat: Fresh water
- Social life: Solitary
- Food: Carnivorous

Rating:
- Reptile
Physical Characteristics:
- Longevity: more than 30 years
- Weight at birth:
- Middleweight: 20 - 30 kg
- Length: 80 -100 cm
Reproduction
- Reproduction: Oviparous
- Incubation: 2 - 3 months
- Number of eggs: 15 - 25 eggs

Risk level of the species

Enlarge

Red list: Scale according to the situation of the species IUCN

Description

This is one of the largest turtles that exists, as specimens have been found that measure nearly one metre.
Like all species in the Trionyx genus, it is characterised by having a soft carapace, with almost no ossification, covered by flexible and resistant skin on the neck, feet and tail. The head and considerably-long neck can be completely hidden and the nose ends in a small horn.
This species is aquatic, spending most of the day underwater, on the muddy bottoms of rivers and lakes where they live. However, they do also like sunbathing and can be seen quite frequently on trunks or on small sandy beaches. Although they prefer fresh water, they can also tolerate salt water well and can move through coastal regions near the mouths of rivers.
They are primarily carnivorous, mainly feeding on fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs, although they also eat some plant matter.
Their populations have decreased greatly in recent years due to the contamination of waters, the deterioration of their habitat and because they are highly valued for food by the local populations of their area of distribution.

All Zoo Animals