Mauremys leprosa saharica
A species of Bataguridae Scientific name : Mauremys leprosa saharica Genus : Bataguridae
Mauremys leprosa saharica, A species of Bataguridae
Scientific name: Mauremys leprosa saharica
Genus: Bataguridae
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Mauremys leprosa saharica exhibits a remarkable adaptability to arid climates, owing to its status as an aquatic turtle endemic to North Africa's Saharan regions. It shows substantial resilience by surviving in provisional pools and rivers, and often aestivates during extreme temperatures. Additionally, this species demonstrates unique opportunistic behavior in feeding, consuming a variety of diet from plant matter to small aquatic animals.
General Info
Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Mauremys leprosa saharica primarily consumes aquatic vegetation, making it an herbivore. In addition to this, it also incorporates small invertebrates, such as insects and mollusks, into its diet to meet its varied nutritional needs.
Appearance
Mauremys leprosa saharica is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle with a slightly domed, elongated carapace. It has thick, scaly, olive-grey skin, with a pale yellow underbelly. Notable features include its large, rounded head and well-developed webbed feet adapted for swimming. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Mauremys leprosa saharica is mostly nocturnal, subsisting on a omnivorous diet. As a semi-aquatic species, it displays basking behavior to regulate body temperature through sun exposure. Notably solitary outside of breeding seasons, mature males of the species can display aggressive territorial behavior. Adapted perfectly to its arid habitat, mauremys leprosa saharica aestivates in times of extreme heat or dry conditions.
Photo By jujurenoult , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Neotropical wood turtles Genus
Bataguridae Species
Mauremys leprosa saharica