freshwater terrapins
TRANSCRIPT
Freshwater terrapins• There are three species of freshwater terrapins• Eight sub species of freshwater terrapins
Flapshell Turtle (indian) Flapshell Turtle (SL)
Red – Eared TerrapinRed –Eared Slider
Parker’s Black Turtle Sri Lanka Black Turtle
Spotted Head – Shelled Terrapin
Parker's black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga parkeri )
• Parker's black turtle Melanochelys trijuga parkeri, which is considered to be the rarest fresh water turtle in the country with only few scattered records, is the only endemic taxon.
• It is mainly known from the northern areas of the country.
• It differs from the hard-shelled terrapin or the Black turtle (Melanochelis trijuga thermalis), the only other sub-species present in the country, in its large size and the shape of the carapace.
Black turtle (Melanochelis trijuga thermalis)
• Black turtle (Melanochelis trijuga thermalis), is very common and is distributed throughout the island except at highest
altitudes and
inhabits a wide
range of habitats
including paddy
field and ditches in town areas.
Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata )
• The Soft-shelled terrapin or Flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata ) is mainly found in the lowlands but also occupies some water bodies in the hills.
• When disturbed it hides under mud and among aquatic vegetation. Both species are intensively hunted for flesh.
Red-eared terrapin & Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta)
• The Red-eared terrapin or Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta), is an ‘alien' species of terrapin which has established a stable population in several large water bodies, mainly around Colombo.
Red-eared terrapin & Red-eared slider……cnt
• It is considered to be one of the world's worst Alien Invasive Species, and these populations are considered to be formed by escaped or released specimens, as it is kept as a pet in many houses.
Red-eared terrapin & Red-eared slider……cnt
• This terrapin, which can easily adapt to natural conditions, can do a great damage to aquatic ecosystems and the juveniles of the species are known to carry the Salmonella bacteria.
Extinction due to,
Natural effectsHuman effects
• Killing of terrapins for meat•Removal of eggs•Taking the carapace (shell) for decoration purposes•Fisheries activities • Agricultural activities •Urbanization
World Largest Freshwater Turtle
• ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE - 16-32 inches as an adult
World Smallest Freshwater Turtle
• Bog TURTLE - 3-4 inches as an adult
