Native to the Nile Basin and parts of East Africa, this rare softshell turtle was once thought to be widespread, ranging from Sudan and South Sudan to Uganda and possibly Ethiopia. However, sightings have become so scarce over the decades that many scientists feared it had gone extinct—until a few rediscoveries in the early 2000s brought renewed hope.

Physically, the Nubian flapshell turtle is a masterpiece of natural design. Instead of the hard, bony shell seen in most turtles, it has a flat, flexible shell covered with smooth, leathery skin. This adaptation gives it an almost alien look—more like a stealthy swimmer than a slow-moving reptile. Its coloration is usually olive or brownish with lighter spots, perfect for blending into muddy riverbeds. The turtle’s most recognizable feature is its long, snorkel-like snout, which allows it to breathe while remaining almost completely hidden beneath the surface. True to its name, it also has unique “flaps” of skin along the underside of its shell that can cover its limbs when retracted, providing a surprising degree of protection despite the lack of a hard carapace.

What makes the Nubian flapshell turtle truly fascinating is its secretive lifestyle and remarkable survival skills. It spends most of its time buried in sand or mud, waiting motionless for prey to pass by. When hunting, it relies on stealth and speed—lunging out to snap up fish, insects, snails, and crustaceans. Its soft shell and flattened body allow it to move effortlessly through shallow waters, while its long neck gives it a quick strike range. Even more impressive, this turtle can absorb oxygen directly through the lining of its throat and skin, letting it stay submerged for extended periods without surfacing to breathe.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Benin

2016

Presence Uncertain

Cameroon

2016

Central Af. Rep.

2016

Chad

2016

Ethiopia

2016

Presence Uncertain

Ghana

2016

Nigeria

2016

South Sudan

2016

Sudan

2016

Togo

2016