KNP Reptile Challenge - Chats and Discussions

[Flutterby]

There are more than one kind of terrapins

Apparently.

[Lisbeth]

I looked them up in the AW book and it is not easy to see the difference between Pan Hinged Terrapin and Serrated Hinged Terrapin

[Flutterby]

I know...I tried to ID some of my pics and I can't really tell the difference!

[Flutterby]

Sprocky, frogs are amphibians, not reptiles.

[Dindingwe]

I looked them up in the AW book and it is not easy to see the difference between Pan Hinged Terrapin and Serrated Hinged Terrapin

No, it is not easy indeed.

The two most widespread in the Kruger are the Serrated Hinged Terrapin (Pelusios sinuatus), and then the Marsh Terrapin or Helmeted Terrapin (Pelomedusa subrufa; I did not know it was also called Cape Terrapin). The Pan Hinged Terrapin is less common. So if others agree, I would put only 30 points for the Marsh Terrapin and 40 points for the Pan Hinged Terrapin.

As said in the AW Book, the main differences between Serrated Hinged Terrapin and Marsh Terrapin are :
- the carapace of the Marsh T. is more flat and does not have humps in the middle of the back;
- the throat of the Marsh T. is light in colour and does not have black markings;
- the snout of the Marsh T. is shorter.

Example by pictures (not taken in the Kruger):

Marsh Terrapin :

Serrated Hinged Terrapin :

[Flutterby]

Thanks for that Dindingwe!

So if others agree, I would put only 30 points for the Marsh Terrapin and 40 points for the Pan Hinged Terrapin.

Done.

[nan]

why only 30.... for Marsh Terrapine
I got one... not sure for the other

[Flutterby]

They are quite common nan.

[Dindingwe]

Sorry for my last post where I made the difference between Serrated Hinged Terrapin and Marsh Terrapin. I misread your post where you ask the difference between Serrated Hinged Terrapin and Pan Hinged Terrapin. I admit I have no idea... I saw a picture of a Pan Hinged Terrapin which looked more brownish than greyish, but I am not sure if it was related to this individual or is more related to the whole species.

[nan]

common.... but not in the list