Softshell Collection

Tortoise and turtle species
Greek tortoise, Testudo graeca, land tortoise, Cinyxis, European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, matamata, Chelus fimbriata, Florida softshell turtle, Apalone ferox, Nile softshell turtle

DDE-90037024
Indian Spotted Softshell Turtle, Lisemys punctata, Native to India Date: 30/07/2008

Florida softshell turtle and Chinese softshell turtle
Florida softshell turtle, Apalone ferox (fierce tortoise, Testudo ferox) and Chinese softshell turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis (Testudo rostrata)

Gulf coast spiny softshell turtle and endangered
Gulf coast spiny softshell turtle, Apalone spinifera, and endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Handcolored engraving by Oudet after an illustration by Oudart from Charles d Orbignys Dictionnaire

Florida softshell turtle, spur-thighed
Florida softshell turtle, Apalone ferox 1, spur-thighed tortoise, Testudo graeca 2 (vulnerable), and geometric tortoise, Psammobates geometricus 3 (endangered)

Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) adult, swimming underwater, U. S. A
Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) adult, swimming underwater, U.S.A

Florida softshell turtle - Apalone ferox

Picture No. 11049993
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell Turtle in water Louisiana, USA Date:

Picture No. 10852654
Florida Softshell Turtle (Trionyx ferox) Date:

Florida Softshell Turtle (Trionyx ferox) adult, swimming below surface of water, Florida, U. S. A. november
Florida Softshell Turtle (Trionyx ferox) adult, swimming below surface of water, Florida, U.S.A. november

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Softshell turtles and tortoises are fascinating creatures that belong to the reptile family. They possess a unique characteristic - a soft, leathery shell instead of the typical hard one found in other turtle species. This adaptation allows them to move swiftly through water, making them excellent swimmers. One such example is the Florida softshell turtle, also known as Apalone ferox. With its distinctive long snout and webbed feet, it gracefully glides through rivers and lakes in Florida, USA. Its cousin from China, the Chinese softshell turtle, shares similar traits but boasts a different habitat. The Gulf coast spiny softshell turtle is another remarkable member of this group. Unfortunately, it faces endangerment due to various factors threatening its existence. Conservation efforts are crucial for preserving these incredible creatures' habitats and ensuring their survival. In contrast to turtles with hard shells protecting their entire bodies, these softshells have vulnerable undersides covered by skin-like material. Despite this vulnerability on land, they thrive underwater where their streamlined bodies allow for efficient movement. A captivating image depicts an adult Spiny Softshell Turtle swimming gracefully beneath the surface of water in the United States of America. The vibrant colors captured in c. 1860 color lithographs showcase the beauty of these mollusks against aquatic backdrops. These pictures serve as reminders of nature's diversity and highlight our responsibility towards protecting endangered species like the Gulf coast spiny softshell turtle or spur-thighed tortoise populations facing decline due to human activities. Observing these magnificent creatures reminds us how interconnected ecosystems are – from Florida's freshwater habitats to China's river systems – all supporting life forms like these extraordinary softshells. Let us appreciate and respect nature's wonders while working together towards conserving fragile environments so that future generations can witness firsthand the gracefulness exhibited by species such as Softshell Turtles across our planet's diverse landscapes.