Pelusios – African mud turtles

With over 15 recognized species, Pelusios turtles are a diverse and adaptable group that live in a wide range of aquatic habitats — from slow-moving rivers and swamps to marshes, ponds, seasonal pools, and even man-made water sources. These turtles are part of the side-necked turtle family (Pelomedusidae), meaning they bend their necks sideways into their shells rather than pulling their heads straight back like most other turtles.

Pelusios turtles have oval, domed carapaces (upper shells) that can be brown, gray, or black in color, and they usually have a hinged plastron (lower shell) that allows them to partially or fully close their shells for protection — a useful feature when evading predators or during dry periods. Their skin is typically grayish, and their heads are often marked with yellow or lighter patterns, depending on the species.

One of the standout traits of African mud turtles is their incredible adaptability. Some species, like the East African black mud turtle (Pelusios subniger), can survive in temporary or seasonal water bodies by burrowing into mud and aestivating (a form of dormancy) during dry spells. Others thrive in permanent wetlands and are often seen basking on logs or the banks of streams. They are omnivorous, eating a diet that includes insects, snails, fish, aquatic plants, algae, and even carrion — which helps keep their ecosystems clean and balanced.