Pelomedusa galeata

Pelomedusa galeata, commonly known as the South African helmeted terrapin and the cape terrapin, is a species of side-necked terrapin in the family Pelomedusidae. It is endemic to South Africa, Eswatini and southern Mozambique.

Range
The cape terrapin is found in all South African provinces, Eswatini and southern Mozambique. It is absent from the Bushmanland bioregion in the Northern Cape.

Description
Adults average 26 cm in straight carapace length; and up to 32.5 cm in exceptional cases.

Habitat
The cape terrapin is found in fresh and stagnant water bodies, but not in mountainous or forested terrain.

Reproduction
Mating of the cape terrapin occurs during spring. Nesting occurs from late spring to autumn. Up to 30 eggs are laid in an 18 by chamber close to the water. Incubation is roughly three months.

Conservation status
As of 2017, the cape terrapin has been assessed as least concern due to its widespread occurrence. The population group in western South Africa could be a candidate species.