You don’t have to be strong to be strong! On the surface, this looks like an interesting and unique shot of a brave terrapin scaring away a male and female lion from a watering hole. The size difference is huge and the expression on the lion’s face is hilarious. They just can’t figure out what’s going on! However, they continued to drink water until they were full. Water turtles don’t give up either! It clung to them until they moved, and luckily didn’t get swallowed once! So, what’s going on here? A quick glance at the video notes reveals everything.
©Stu Porter/Shutterstock.com
Water turtle showing off in a puddle
We learned from the video notes that this video was filmed in the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. We also learned that it was captured by a guide at a spot on the Sand River. Apparently the lions had recently captured a zebra foal, so the guide expected they would need water soon. He found a spot near the puddle and waited for them to emerge.
What he didn’t expect was the interaction with the water turtle! However, it’s not just the curiosity of the brave little critter. There were obvious bloodstains on the lion’s face and paws, which may be what attracted the terrapins when they entered the water.
Terrapins in Africa
African national parks are known for their big game, but there are also many fascinating smaller animals. The three most common species of terrapin in Kruger National Park are the cape terrapin, the sawtooth terrapin and the pan-hinged terrapin, although the names of these terrapins vary.smallwrong hinge terrapin Often found in lakes and rivers in the area. They can be seen basking on logs and mudflats, but they can also be seen on the backs of sleeping hippos. They eat water snails, insects and plants.
Pan Hinged Terrapins are small, with a smooth round shell and a plastral hinge. Their skin is a dull grayish brown, but their shells are slightly darker. They eat small reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds. The Cape Terrapin lives in ponds and is also known as the African helmeted turtle. They feed on carrion, so blood from lions may have attracted them.
Next:
What do pond turtles eat?15+ Foods They Love
Watch a pride of 18 lions attack rhinos, zebras and buffalo
Watch a cheetah face off with an adult lion
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
