#753: Terrapin

Terrapin is the name given to several species of small turtle, such as this Diamondback Turtle. Like the dove and the egret, terrapin is a name more of convenience than serving a taxonomical purpose. Due to their small size, they have become fairly popular in the pet industry and Diamondbacks are farmed as food. Diamondbacks are almost entirely aquatic, coming ashore only to breed. Although most Terrapins favour freshwater, the Diamondback lives in the marine environment, although she stays close to shore. To obtain fresh water, she sips rainwater from the surface, or catches it as it falls.

#707: Snapping Turtle

The Common Snapping Turtle of North America is named for his hornery disposition. He commonly makes his home in shallow ponds and streams, lurking beneath the mud, only his head exposed. His diet is a variable one; he scavenges on plant and animal matter, actively eating any living thing that comes within his range. Long-lived, he does not reach sexual maturity until 12-20 years old, depending on climate. Females travel long distances over land, seeking a suitable substrate - sandy soil - in which to lay her eggs. She will lay up to 80 eggs a year, but survival rates are low and predation by herons, mustelids and other predators common.

Creature Feature #414: Leatherback Turtle

The Christmas "silly season" must be getting to my brain - I've been so busy drawing these Animal-a-Day critters, I've forgotten to actually upload them! No, wait, this blog is actually set to Pacific Standard Time. I didn't forget on saturday - just yesterday!

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest living turtle - specimens have been found up to 3 metres long. Unlike other turtles, she lacks a bony carapace; hers is instead covered in skin and oily flesh. She is extremely hydrodynamic, using her long flippers to propel herself through the open ocean. In this manner she is capable of reaching speeds up to 35 km/hr. The adult Leatherback feeds almost entirely on jellyfish, although other soft-bodied sea creatures - such as squids - are sometimes taken. Unfortunately, a plastic bag floating in the ocean can resemble prey, and up to a third of Leatherbacks are thought to have ingested plastic. This can obstruct her digestive system or remain in her gut, undigested which inhibits her feeding, and thus her growth and rate of maturity.

She is Vulnerable to extinction.