|
|
North American Pelomedusa Studbook & Record |
Pelomedusa Species Summary |
Species: Pelomedusa subrufa Subspecies: Pelomedusa s. nigra (Gray, 1863) Pelomedusa s. olivacea (Schweigger, 1812) Pelomedusa s. subrufa (Lacepède, 1788) |
Distribution: Africa and Madagascar Habitat: Exploits all bodies of water including rivers, lakes, ponds, watering holes, swamps, seasonal wetlands, etc. Pelomedusa will move great distances over land or estivate during the dry season. Protected/Conservation Status Threats: collection for bush meat and habitat loss (it has been noted by Boycott and Bourquin (2008) that P. subrufa appears to be expanding its range with the construction of dams and reservoirs) Quotas: *Export quota totals for specific Pelomedusa subspecies are lacking and to be considered unreliable due to high occurrences of mixed subspecies groups (olivacea and subrufa) appearing at wholesalers and in retail stores. Pelomedusa s. nigra is nearly non-existent in captive collections. |
Pelomedusa subrufa CITES III - Ghana (removed 2007); IUNC 2007 Red List: Least Concern |
The genus Pelomedusa was recently reclassified as being comprised of a single species (Boycott and Bourquin, 2008). Previously three subspecies were recognized and it is strongly encouraged by this studbook that groups continue to be maintained as distinct subspecies. Pelomedusa s. subrufa and P.s. olivacea continue to arrive in large numbers through importers and are distributed by retail pet stores (private and chains). P.s. nigra are not seen in captivity outside of Africa as a result of export restrictions in place throughout their natural range. Husbandry techniques are known for P.s. subrufa and P.s. olivacea, both of which have successfully reproduced in captivity. |