A hardy and highly adaptable freshwater turtle found throughout southern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and parts of Mozambique. It belongs to the family Pelomedusidae, also known as African side-necked turtles, which get their name from the way they fold their necks sideways into their shells rather than retracting them straight back.

Its carapace (upper shell) is smooth, rounded, and usually olive to dark brown, while the plastron (lower shell) is lighter and has no hinge (unlike some of its relatives). The name “helmeted” comes from the turtle’s broad, domed head, which looks like it’s wearing a tough helmet. Its face is often marked with pale spots or streaks, and its strong legs are equipped with webbed feet, making it a capable swimmer.

Helmeted terrapins are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a mix of insects, snails, fish, amphibians, algae, and even carrion. They are also known to eat water plants and fallen fruit. Opportunistic and resourceful, they play a valuable role in their ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and clean up organic debris in water bodies. They are most active during the warmer, wetter months, and are often seen basking on rocks or mudbanks during the day.

The South African helmeted terrapin is known for its impressive overland travel abilities. When ponds and streams dry up, it can walk long distances in search of new water sources, even showing up in surprising places like roadside puddles or cattle troughs. Another amazing trait is that it can aestivate (go into a state of dormancy) by burying itself in mud during long dry spells, sometimes surviving for months without surface water.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Botswana

2017

Presence Uncertain

Eswatini

2017

Lesotho

2017

Presence Uncertain

Mozambique

2017

Namibia

2017

Presence Uncertain

South Africa

2017