Species / Testudines taxon
Western Caspian Turtle
Mauremys rivulata
Mauremys rivulata, known as the Western Caspian Turtle or Balkan Terrapin, is a species of turtle found in the eastern Mediterranean.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Geoemydid Turtles (GEOEMYDIDAE) > Geoemydine Turtles Subfamily (GEOEMYDINAE) > Pond Turtles (Mauremys) > Western Caspian Turtle (Mauremys rivulata). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
- Chinese Name
- 溪拟水龟
- English Name
- Western Caspian Turtle
- Scientific Name
Plate notes
Mauremys rivulata
Trivia
The species name rivulata means 'from brooks'.
Overview
Mauremys rivulata, known as the Western Caspian Turtle or Balkan Terrapin, is a species of turtle found in the eastern Mediterranean.
Scientific Name
Mauremys rivulata
Ecological Habits
Aquatic, inhabits rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes. Basks on rocks or logs. Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small vertebrates.
Major Threats & Conservation
Threats include habitat destruction, water pollution, and collection for pet trade. Protected in many areas, but populations declining.
Morphological Characteristics
Medium-sized, carapace up to 25 cm, olive to dark brown with light vermiculations. Plastron yellow with dark seams. Head with yellow stripes.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Distribution includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Palestine, Syria, Turkey; introduced in Latvia. Estimated indigenous AOO: 330,174 sq km. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN).
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