African softshell turtle
| African softshell turtle | |
|---|---|
| File:Trionyx triunguis (29645604596).jpg | |
| File:Trionyx triunguis Zoo Rostock 15-08-2008 084.jpg | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Trionychidae |
| Genus: | Trionyx |
| Species: | T. triunguis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Trionyx triunguis | |
| Synonyms[4] | |
|
List
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The African softshell turtle, or Nile softshell turtle (Trionyx triunguis), is a large species of softshell turtle from freshwater and brackish-water habitats in Africa (larger parts of Eastern, Northeastern, Western and Middle Africa) and the Near East (Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey).[3] It is the only extant species in the genus Trionyx; historically, despite other species having been formerly placed in this genus as well, they have all been reclassified to other genera.[3]
Despite the common name of "African softshell turtle", Trionyx triunguis is not the sole species (or genus) of softshell turtle found in Africa—the genera Cyclanorbis and Cycloderma are African—nor is it solely found on that continent, alone.[3]
Description
[edit | edit source]T. triunguis is a very large species of softshell turtle, with sizes ranging from 85 to 94 cm, with a weight of 40 kg, and an unconfirmed max size of 120 cm. They are omnivorous in their diet, consuming not only small fish, frogs, tadpoles and crustaceans, but also floating palm seeds and fallen leaves, and some aquatic vegetation.
Conservation
[edit | edit source]T. triunguis was listed on CITES's Appendix II in 2016; the population in Ghana was also included in CITES's Appendix III from 1976 to 2007. The Mediterranean subpopulation of the Nile soft-shelled turtle was listed in the "Red List of Threatened Species" by the IUCN, as critically endangered. They are under threat because of large use of their habitats with fishing activities, and irrigation, destruction of their nesting places, destruction caused by boats, and water pollution.
Religion
[edit | edit source]In Ancient Egyptian religion the African softshell turtle seems to have been viewed as a symbol of evil animal and opponent of Ra.[5]
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
African softshell turtle at Nahal Alexander, Israel
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Head of African softshell turtle at Nahal Alexander, Israel
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African softshell turtle with red-eared sliders at Nahal Alexander, Israel
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Head and neck of African softshell turtle at Nahal Alexander, Israel
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Head and neck (retracted) of African softshell turtle at Nahal Alexander, Israel
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Juvenile underwater, buried under sand
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References
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Further reading
[edit | edit source]- van Dijk, P.P., Diagne, T., Luiselli, L., Baker, P.J., Turkozan, O. & Taskavak, E. 2017. Trionyxtriunguis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T62256A96894956
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External links
[edit | edit source]- File:Wikispecies-logo.svg Data related to Trionyx triunguis at Wikispecies
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