Demaya, G.S et al.,

Abstract

The Nubian flapshell turtle, Cyclanorbis elegans, is one of the rarest turtle species in the world and has even been considered as possibly extinct because no free-ranging individuals have been recorded in recent years. Here, we report on 2 large adults (> 60 cm total carapace length) of this species captured along the White Nile River course between the towns of Juba and Mongalla in South Sudan; these specimens were found in very large stretches of the riverbed, with the presence of seasonal and permanent wetlands (ponds and swamps) in the surroundings and with abundant bank vegetation. These turtles are hunted and eaten by local communities for subsistence and traditional medicine and are under serious threat due to overfishing and habitat loss.

Download the PDF Rediscovery of the Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) in South Sudan