BALKAN TERRAPIN
This is the smaller of the 2 resident terrapins on Kefalonia, obtaining a size of 200mm shell size. The Balkan terrapin is also known as the Western Caspian terrapin, and it is a beauty. It has an oval flattened shell which is keeled, which means it has a ridge running from front to back. The shell which can be covered in algae is a brownish colour. The terrapin is greenish-grey with light coloured lines running along the neck. Their eyes have greenish or brownish irises and a small dark pupil which has a dark spot on either side.
The Balkan terrapin prefers slow-running water but is equally happy in fresh or salty water and it is quite tolerant of polluted waters. This is another shy creature and will scarper if disturbed. They are best seen when they are basking in the sun on rocks or logs which are close to the water’s edge. These terrapins can emit a foul-smelling musk when handled and they can bite. They feed on invertebrates such as insects and snails and will eat carrion as well as algae.
