The Caspian pond turtle (Mauremys caspica), also known as the Caspian turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle that is native to the regions surrounding the Caspian Sea, including parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. Here are some specifications:
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Adult Caspian pond turtles typically measure between 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) in shell length.
- Weight: They generally weigh around 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lbs).
- Shell: The carapace (upper shell) is olive to dark brown, often with lighter streaks or patterns. The plastron (lower shell) is yellowish with darker blotches.
- Color: Their skin is usually olive or brown with yellowish stripes on the head, neck, and limbs.
Habitat:
- Range: Found in countries around the Caspian Sea, including Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, as well as parts of Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia.
- Environment: Prefers slow-moving or still freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and irrigation channels. They thrive in warm climates with abundant vegetation.
Behavior:
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, fish, and other small aquatic animals.
- Reproduction: Females lay eggs on land, typically burying them in sandy or muddy soil. Clutches usually contain 5 to 15 eggs, and incubation lasts about 60 to 80 days depending on the temperature.
- Lifespan: Can live up to 40 to 60 years in the wild, though lifespan in captivity can vary.
Caspian Pond Turtle For Sale
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: The Caspian pond turtle is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, but it faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and the pet trade.
Adaptations:
- Temperature Regulation: Like other reptiles, they are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun on logs or rocks.
- Swimming: They are strong swimmers and spend much of their time in the water, though they also come ashore to bask or lay eggs.
Importance:
- Ecological Role: They play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey, helping to control insect and fish populations and providing food for larger animals.
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