Balkan terrapin
A species of Bataguridae, Also known as Balkan pond turtle Scientific name : Mauremys rivulata Genus : Bataguridae
Balkan terrapin, A species of Bataguridae
Also known as:
Balkan pond turtle
Scientific name: Mauremys rivulata
Genus: Bataguridae
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ziegler175 , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Balkan pond turtle or western Caspian turtle (Mauremys rivulata) is a species of turtles in the family Geoemydidae.
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Balkan terrapin's diet is mainly herbivorous, characterized by a substantial consumption of aquatic vegetation and fruits. It supplements this diet by occasionally incorporating small invertebrates and carrion, enhancing nutrient diversity.
Appearance
The balkan terrapin is a medium-sized turtle reaching around 20 cm in shell length. It possesses a robust, oval-shaped carapace that's predominantly greenish-brown, often adorned with faint streaks or spots. Its plastron, or underbelly, is yellow with darker blotches. The skin seems smooth and textured, colored in varying shades of green and brown. Both males and females share similar traits, although males tend to have longer and thicker tails.
Behavior
Balkan terrapin is a predominantly aquatic species that exhibits monogamous pairing during mating season, with complex courtship displays including head-bobbing. It forages mainly on invertebrates, plants, and carrion in its freshwater habitats. It is a basking species, spending considerable time on land near water under the sun. Balkan terrapin leans towards a solitary lifestyle, showing territorial defense towards conspecifics, especially in limited space.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Neotropical wood turtles Genus
Bataguridae Species
Balkan terrapin 
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