Pelusios rhodesianus Hewitt 1927 – Variable Mud Turtle, Variable Hinged Terrapin

Abstract

The variable hinged terrapin, Pelusios rhodesianus (Family Pelomedusidae), is a moderate-sized species that inhabits weedy shallow dams and backwaters from Lake Victoria south to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The populations in the main part of the species' range seem to be in good shape and the construction of storage dams provides additional suitable habitats for P. rhodesianus. However, some of the peripheral southern populations in South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) are threatened or extinct.