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Two new African hinged terrapins (Testudines: Pelomedusidae: Pelusios)
Pavel Široký1, Branka Bilbija2, Claudia Paetzold3
1Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, FVHE, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic. sirokyp@vfu.cz.
Zootaxa
|July 6, 2026
Summary
A new African hinged terrapin species, *Pelusios*, was discovered in the DRC and Tanzania. Phylogenetic and morphological data differentiate it from related species, with distinct subspecies identified.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Systematics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The genus *Pelusios* comprises 17 recognized African hinged terrapin species.
- Ongoing research aims to refine the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships within *Pelusios*.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new species and two subspecies of *Pelusios* from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania.
- To clarify the phylogenetic position and taxonomic status of the newly discovered terrapins.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial DNA and three nuclear loci (C-mos, RAG2, R35).
- Morphological examination focusing on plastral shape and coloration.
- Analysis of museum specimens and photographic records, including iNaturalist data.
Main Results:
- A new *Pelusios* species with two subspecies is described, closely related to *P. subniger* based on mitochondrial DNA.
- Nuclear loci suggest a closer relationship to *P. bechuanicus* and *P. upembae*.
- The new species differs morphologically from *P. subniger* in plastral coloration and exhibits distinct genetic markers for its subspecies. Its distribution is largely west of the Rift Valley, contrasting with *P. subniger*'s eastern distribution, though sympatry is possible in central Tanzania. The Seychelles subspecies of *P. subniger* is deemed invalid.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a new species and subspecies within the *Pelusios* genus, highlighting complex evolutionary relationships.
- Distinct genetic and morphological characteristics support the new taxa, while clarifying the distribution and taxonomic status of *P. subniger*.
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