African Softshell TurtleTrionyx triunguisWhere and when to see them

The African softshell turtle is a large aquatic reptile with a flattened, leathery shell and a long, flexible neck. Its nostrils sit at the end of a short snorkel-like snout, allowing discreet breathing at the surface. Although widespread in parts of Africa, it also survives in scattered eastern Mediterranean populations, including southern Turkey. These northern populations face pressures from wetland alteration, fishing gear, boat traffic and disturbance of sandy nesting areas.

Size

60-100 cm carapace length

Weight

20-50 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Vulnerable

Usually secretive, this turtle spends much of its time concealed in soft bottom sediment or resting in quiet water. It may expose only its snout when breathing, making shore detection difficult. Individuals sometimes bask on banks or floating structures, but often retreat quickly when disturbed. Females leave the water to lay eggs in suitable sand or soil. Its powerful jaws and rapidly extending neck make handling dangerous for both turtle and observer. This species exhibits a 'sit and wait' predatory strategy, often remaining motionless for extended periods awaiting unsuspecting prey. During nesting, females can lay multiple clutches of eggs in a single season, typically burying them deeply in sand.

• The shell lacks the large external scutes familiar on most turtles.
• Three clawed digits on each foot are reflected in the name triunguis.
• It is the only living species currently placed in the genus Trionyx.
• Mediterranean populations occupy the northern edge of its natural range.

Late spring through early autumn provides warmer conditions when surface activity and occasional basking may be more evident in Turkey. Cooler mornings can suit patient bank observation. Nesting timing varies locally, and visiting in summer does not ensure a visible turtle. Water temperatures above 20°C encourage greater activity, making warmer months ideal for potential sightings. During the hottest parts of summer, activity might shift towards cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

It inhabits large rivers, lakes, marshes and estuaries, tolerating brackish conditions better than many freshwater turtles. In Turkey, suitable habitat includes lowland river mouths and connected coastal wetlands with soft substrates, sheltered water and nearby sandy nesting banks. While predominantly aquatic, this species requires accessible sandy banks for nesting, often traveling significant distances overland to reach suitable sites. Its presence in Turkey is primarily confined to the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal lowlands, particularly river deltas and connected lagoons.

Fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic animals are important foods, and carrion is also taken. The turtle can ambush prey while partly buried in sediment. Diet changes with local availability, and some plant material may be consumed alongside animal food. Its powerful jaws are well-suited for crushing mollusc shells, a common dietary component. Juveniles and adults may exhibit dietary differences, with smaller individuals consuming more aquatic insects and larvae.

Common name

African Softshell Turtle

Scientific name

Trionyx triunguis

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

60-100 cm carapace length

Weight

20-50 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Vulnerable

Identification

Its broad, leathery shell without hard scutes and tubular snout distinguish it from Turkey’s hard-shelled freshwater turtles. Beyond its leathery shell, note its three prominent claws on each foot, a feature shared with other softshell turtles. The carapacial length of adults in Turkey can exceed 70 cm, making them one of the largest freshwater turtle species in the region.