Spanish Terrapin
The Spanish Terrapin is a semi-aquatic terrapin with an orange-brown to olive coloured and slightly flattened shell and their head and neck shows a light patterning.
The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps.
It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed.
The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants.
During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes.
Date: 1st May 2012
Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain
The Spanish Terrapin can be found in Spain, Portugal , southern France , Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia where it inhabits freshwater bodies like rivers or swamps.
It is almost entirely aquatic but they enjoy sunbathing since they are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth. However, they are very secretive and are always alert and dive back in to the water if alarmed.
The Spanish Terrapin is an excellent swimmer and feeds on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants.
During the winter months, the Spanish Terrapin hibernates at the bottom of ponds or shallow lakes.
Date: 1st May 2012
Location: El Acebuche, Coto Doñana, Andalucia, Spain
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Also in: South and west Spain - April and May 2012
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