Cape Terrapin
Pelomedusa galeata
Silhouette: Day & Haghe · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassTestudines
- FamilyPelomedusidae (African Mud Turtles)
- GenusPelomedusa (Helmeted Terrapins)
- SpeciesPelomedusa galeata (Cape Terrapin)
About the Cape Terrapin
Pelomedusa galeata, commonly known as the South African helmeted terrapin and the cape terrapin, is a species of side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. It is endemic to South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique.
The cape terrapin is found in all South African provinces, Eswatini and southern Mozambique. It is absent from the Bushmanland bioregion in the Northern Cape. Adults average 26 cm (10 in) in straight carapace length; and up to 32.5 cm (12.8 in) in exceptional cases.
The cape terrapin is found in fresh and stagnant water bodies, but not in mountainous or forested terrain. Mating of the cape terrapin occurs during spring. Nesting occurs from late spring to autumn. Up to 30 eggs are laid in an 18 by 9 cm (7.1 by 3.5 in) chamber close to the water. Incubation is roughly three months.
As of 2017, the cape terrapin has been assessed as least concern due to its widespread occurrence. The population group in western South Africa could be a candidate species. Media related to Pelomedusa galeata at Wikimedia Commons Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cape Terrapin in Pilanesberg National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Pilanesberg National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 5 | Pilanesberg National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 6 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 7 | Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Cape Terrapin in Pilanesberg National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Cape Terrapin sighting in Pilanesberg National Park, based on 11 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Cape Terrapin in Pilanesberg National Park?
February has the highest sighting rate for Cape Terrapin in Pilanesberg National Park in our monthly data.