African softshell turtle

Trionyx triunguis

The African softshell turtle or Nile softshell turtle is a large species of turtle from fresh-water and brackish habitats in Africa and the Near East. It is the only extant species from the genus "Trionyx", but in the past many other softshell turtles were placed in this genus; they have now been moved to various other genera.
African Softshell Turtle a rare and very large water turtle, the shell diameter is about 80 cm! rare and endangered in Israel, there is a known population in another part of Alexander stream (where I was) - this one probably swam in from there. African softshell turtle,Fall,Geotagged,Israel,Trionyx triunguis

Appearance

Despite the name "African softshell turtle", it is not the only species or genus of softshell turtle in Africa. It is a very large species of softshell turtle, with sizes that range from 85 to 94 cm, a weight of 40 kg, and an unconfirmed max size of 120 cm. They are omnivores in diet, consuming small fish, crustaceans, and also palm seeds and fallen leaves.

Status

"Trionyx triunguis" was listed on Appendix II by CITES in 2016; the population in Ghana was also included in CITES 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

References:

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Status: Vulnerable
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderTestudines
FamilyTrionychidae
GenusTrionyx
SpeciesT. triunguis
Photographed in
Israel