The Euphrates softshell turtle (Rafetus euphraticus), also known as the Mesopotamian softshell turtle,[3] is a species of softshell turtle in the family [3] is a species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is found throughout much of the Euphrates–Tigris river basin in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Khūzestān Province of Iran. Historically it has also been reported from Israel, but this likely involves confusion with the very similar Trionyx triunguis (the two typically require in-hand examination to be separated).[4]
The Euphrates softshell turtle is an endangered species that primarily is threatened by habitat loss and alteration, especially the building of dams,[4] but to lesser extent also pollution and killing by fishermen.[5]
History
The Euphrates softshell turtle became known to the western science when the French naturalist Guillaume-Antoine Olivier shot a specimen while crossing the Euphrates near Anah in June 1797.[6] The local residents told him that the meat of this animal was not good to eat, but its fat was considered an excellent medication for a variety of skin diseases. Olivier named the species Testudo rafcht, because, as he said "the Arabs called it rafcht".[7]
Olivier's book did not explain what the name meant in Arabic; however a number of modern Arabic web pages say that the turtle is known locally as al-rafš (الرفش), which is translated in standard dictionaries as "the spade" or "the shovel", and perhaps refers to the shape of the creature's carapace.[8] Olivier passed the information about the creature to François Marie Daudin, who described it in his Histoire des reptiles (1801).[7][9]
Later naturalists apparently often misread Olivier's rafcht as rafeht.[10] The name Rafetus euphraticus, and the genus Rafetus itself, were proposed by John Edward Gray in 1864, who mentions in his work that the species had been variously known as Trionyx euphraticus, Testudo euphraticus, Trionyx rafeht, Tyrse rafeht
The Euphrates softshell turtle is an endangered species that primarily is threatened by habitat loss and alteration, especially the building of dams,[4] but to lesser extent also pollution and killing by fishermen.[5]
The Euphrates softshell turtle became known to the western science when the French naturalist Guillaume-Antoine Olivier shot a specimen while crossing the Euphrates near Anah in June 1797.[6] The local residents told him that the meat of this animal was not good to eat, but its fat was considered an excellent medication for a variety of skin diseases. Olivier named the species Testudo rafcht, because, as he said "the Arabs called it rafcht".[7]
Olivier's book did not explain what the name meant in Arabic; however a number of modern Arabic web pages say that the turtle is known locally as al-rafš (الرفش), which is translated in standard dictionaries as "the spade" or "the shovel", and perhaps refers to the shape of the creature's carapace.[8] Olivier passed the information about the creature to François Marie Daudin, who described it in his Histoire des reptiles (1801).[7][9]
Later naturalists apparently often misread Olivier's rafcht as rafeht.[10] The name Rafetus euphraticus, and the genus Rafetus itself, were proposed by John Edward Gray in 1864, who mentions in his work that the species had been variously known as Trionyx euphraticus, Testudo euphraticus, Trionyx rafeht, Tyrse rafeht, or Testudo rafeht.[11]
Appearance
This freshwater turtle can weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb),[3] and it has a smooth leathery shell that can reach up to 68 cm (2.2 ft) in length.[4] The sexes are apparently alike in size and general appearance.[4] The upperparts are typically dull olive in colour, sometimes with an indistinct spotted pattern, especially on the head.[4] There are some minor variations in the colour pattern,[3] and rarely individuals may be dark brown or even black above.Olivier's book did not explain what the name meant in Arabic; however a number of modern Arabic web pages say that the turtle is known locally as al-rafš (الرفش), which is translated in standard dictionaries as "the spade" or "the shovel", and perhaps refers to the shape of the creature's carapace.[8] Olivier passed the information about the creature to François Marie Daudin, who described it in his Histoire des reptiles (1801).[7][9]
Later naturalists apparently often misread Olivier's rafcht as rafeht.[10] The name Rafetus euphraticus, and the genus Rafetus itself, were proposed by John Edward Gray in 1864, who mentions in his work that the species had been variously known as Trionyx euphraticus, Testudo euphraticus, Trionyx rafeht, Tyrse rafeht, or Testudo rafeht.[11]
This freshwater turtle can weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb),[3] and it has a smooth leathery shell that can reach up to 68 cm (2.2 ft) in length.[4] The sexes are apparently alike in size and general appearance.[4] The upperparts are typically dull olive in colour, sometimes with an indistinct spotted pattern, especially on the head.[4] There are some minor variations in the colour pattern,[3] and rarely individuals may be dark brown or even black above.[4]
Habitat
The Eu
The Euphrates softshell turtle has been found in a wide range of freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and marshlands.[4] It prefers areas with shallow and calm water, sandy banks and many fish (especially cyprinids).[12] Although it mainly resides in shallow calm water, this is typically adjacent to deep fast-flowing water.[4] In the fast-flowing Euphrates it generally avoids the main stem, instead occurring in side-branches or backwaters. In parts of the Tigris River with a slower flow, it occurs even in the main stem.[4] They bask on or at the banks of rivers, with some remaining in shallow water to avoid being on land.[3] They sometimes bury themselves into the bottom.[3]
BehaviorThe Euphrates softshell turtle is mainly active during the day, but some night-activity also occurs.[4] In parts of its range it is infrequently seen during the winter, likely due to the lower temperature.[4][12]
Feeding
Little is known about its feeding preference, but the species has generally been considered a carnivore. It is sometimes seen feeding on carcasses, is easily attracted by lowering a nylon bags filled with lamb blood into the water and fishermen often complain about it taking fish from their nets.[4] However, it has also been caught on lines baited with watermelon, an individual defecated a partially digested tomato and local farmers claim their crops sometimes are eaten by the species.[4] A fecal analysis of 30 individuals mostly revealed remains of crabs and plants, but also insects, birds, fish, river-bed material and debris, leading to the conclusion that the Euphrates softshell turtle is an opportunistic omnivore.[4]