By Carlos Lopes Pereira
Sometimes we give little attention to animals other than birds and mammals. I have some interest in tortoises and terrapins. Like crocs they survived for millions of years. The specimen here is rarely found in Gorongosa National Park.
In four years I saw it 2 times only in March and April (has anybody else seen it?). It seems they move as the waters recede to more permanent places or they move to lay their eggs. This one was on Road 4 and I found another on Road 3. The scientific name is Cycloderma frenatum also called Zambezi Flapshell Turtle. I have some doubts that it is a frenatum since the carapace is different from the existing nominates C. frenatum. You can see them at http://www.chelonia.org/Cycloderma_gallery.htm. I am in touch with experts in the matter and need more pictures of the plastron (underside of the terrapin). If you see one please take good photos and tell me where you found it.
Some info about natural history: Nesting occurs from December to March. There are reports of females ovipositioning after rains following an 8-month drought. Clutches normally include 15-25 brittle-shelled, spherical eggs about 30-35 mm in diameter. Hatchlings have been found from December to February. Their carapace lengths range from 40 to 48 mm they are colored and patterned like the adults, but brighter. C.frenatum is carnivorous, feeding on fish, aquatic snails, mussels, and possibly amphibians. Sachsse (1971) reported that this species not only ambushes fish (like Chitra indica) , but also, if necessary, will pursue it over short distances. These turtles are shy and withdraw into the shell when disturbed. Much of their life is spent buried beneath mud or sand. IUCN Red List Status (1996) Lower risk: near threatened.
Keep looking!