Points

40

per confirmed sighting

ReptileConservation status: Least ConcernVery Rare to spot
reptiles • Pelomedusidae

Serrated Hinged Terrapin.

S

Pelusios sinuatus

Category

reptiles

Family

Pelomedusidae

Size

Up to about 55 cm carapace length; females are larger than males.

Points

40 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding serrated hinged terrapin in its natural range.

Overview

How to identify it

Habitat

Deep-water terrapin of rivers and lakes. Also uses larger perennial rivers, seasonal pans, flooded quarries and farm dams, preferring medium to large perennial waters.

Diet

A representative species-level diet was not resolved from the checked specialist account used in this pass; no diet is inferred from other terrapins.

Behaviour

When to look

Seasonal movement is strongest during the rainy season. A universal day/night schedule was not resolved, but daytime basking is well documented.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniMalawi flagMalawi

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.