All types of turtles. Their varieties and classification1 min read. Types of land turtles Types of freshwater turtles

Genus Spiny turtles (Heosemys)

The very name of the genus - “spiny turtles” - is puzzling; sometimes they are called more successfully - “forest”. The marginal scutes of the carapace of these turtles are equipped, as if bristling, with spines. Such protection is justified: in this way, in the infant stage, spiny turtles are protected from predators; As they grow older, the spines disappear almost entirely.

Five species of these bizarre turtles have been described: ARAKAN FOREST (H. depressa), named after mountainous region Arakan (Rakhine) in the southwest of Myanmar, INDOCHINE, or GIANT SPINE (H. grandis), PHILIPPINE (H. leytensis), FOREST PINKY, or COCHIN REED (H. silvaticd), named after the coastal region of Cochin (Kochi) in southwest India and COMMON SPINIOUS, or Jagged (H. spinosa) TURTLES.

Habitats and behavior of spiny turtles.

Spiny turtles (Heosemys spinosa). These aquatic turtles from Indochina lead a terrestrial lifestyle. Juveniles have characteristic markings on the carapace and plastronvary greatly - from semi-aquatic to terrestrial forms. The mating ritual is the same as land turtles.

Three species of spiny turtles are critically endangered. Yes, the latest fees Arakan turtles reaching 25 cm in length did not give encouraging results; Filipino a turtle, 33 cm long, living on one island of Leyte, is known from only a few specimens; extremely rare Cochin turtle. In 1911, two specimens were caught in the mountain forest of Kerala (India). And only in 1982-1983. We found a dozen of these secretive small turtles (they live on the forest floor and reach no more than 12-13 cm in length).

Mediterranean turtle, Testudo graeca (Linnaeus, 1758). In the past, the incorrect name, copied from the Latin zoonym, was also used - “ greek tortoise" A medium-sized turtle with a high carapace and a maximum length of up to 30 cm. Forepaws with 5 claws. The carapace is yellowish-brown or light olive in color with dark spots. The general range of the species covers diverse, predominantly mountainous and foothill dry landscapes in northern Africa, southern Europe, southwest Asia, as well as on some islands in the Mediterranean Sea. By the way, this species is not found in Greece. On the territory of Russia it is found along Black Sea coast Caucasus and Dagestan. Intraspecific taxonomy has not been sufficiently studied. Currently, from 4 to 8 subspecies are distinguished, the status of some of them is debatable. They feed mainly plant foods, but often eat invertebrates and carrion. They overwinter from late October to November in various underground shelters. They emerge from wintering in March–April. The mating period lasts from April to mid-June. A month and a half after mating, females lay eggs. The clutch contains from 1 to 7 eggs measuring 3.2–4.6×2.9–3.7 cm and weighing 19–23 g. The female makes up to 3 clutches per season. Incubation duration is from 60 to 110 days. Young turtles emerge from eggs from late July to mid-September, with a carapace length of 3.5–4.5 cm. Often from late clutches or when unfavorable conditions the turtles emerge to the surface only next spring. Sexual maturity is reached at 12–14 years of age with a carapace length of 16–18 cm. The number of the species is rapidly declining due to the transformation of natural habitats and long-term uncontrolled trapping. Thus, A. Schleyer wrote back in 1912 (p. 73): “All the turtles that can sometimes be seen on the windows of grocery stores in St. Petersburg and Moscow belong precisely to this species.” It is no longer found in some parts of its range. The species is listed in the Red Book of Russia, the International Red Book and Appendix II of the Convention on international trade Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Balkan turtle, Testudo hermanni(Gmelin, 1789). A land turtle with a carapace up to 20–23 cm long. Females are larger than males. The top of the shell is painted in gray or yellowish tones. The species is distributed in southern Europe: southeastern Spain, southern France, central and southern Italy, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria. Also found on many large islands Mediterranean Sea. Intraspecific taxonomy cannot be considered final, but this moment There are 2 subspecies. Nominative subspecies T.h. hermanni distributed over most of its range, and the eastern Balkan tortoise, T.h. boettgeri inhabits the Balkan Peninsula. Mainly adheres to evergreen dry forests in the foothills and low mountains. It feeds mainly on plant foods, but also eats small invertebrates and picks up fallen fruits. Hibernates in winter and during summer drought. It emerges from wintering in March–April, and the first matings are observed 1–3 weeks after the end of diapause. From April to June, females lay from 3 to 12 eggs measuring 3.0x2.4 cm. Repeated clutches are noted. The duration of incubation varies depending on temperature and humidity from 53 to 120 days. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 5–11 years, females later than males. The main reasons for the decline in the number of Balkan turtles are the destruction of forests due to logging and fires, as well as uncontrolled fishing for commercial purposes. Currently, Balkan tortoises are protected by a number of national legislations, and special reserves have been created in France. Successfully bred under artificial conditions. The species is listed in the IUCN Red List, Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and Appendix II of the Berne Convention.

In the family of land turtles (lat. Testudinidae), there are 10-13 genera (depending on taxonomy), including about 40 species.

About 20 species of land turtles live in Africa and 8 species in South-East Asia. Several species can be found in Southern Europe, 3 species in South America and 2 species in North America. Most species of land turtles inhabit deserts, steppes and savannas. Some species can also be found in wooded areas.

Among land turtles there are: giant shapes reaching a length of a meter or more, as well as small animals 10-12 cm long.

The shell of these terrestrial animals is high, less often flattened. The head and thick columnar legs are covered with scutes and scales.

All land turtles are slow and clumsy. Unlike freshwater turtles in case of danger, they do not flee, but use only a means of passive protection - the shell.

IN wildlife land turtles mainly feed on a variety of green vegetation, only occasionally diversifying their diet with invertebrates. If their diet includes succulent vegetation, they can go without water for a long time, but if possible, they drink with pleasure.

The central genus of the land turtle family is the land turtle (Testudo). These turtles are widely distributed in Africa, South America, southern and western Asia, and southern Europe. Apparently, the most ancient species can be considered the once numerous giant tortoises, rare specimens of which can still be found today in the Galapagos and Seychelles.

On Galapagos Islands lives (Testudo elephantopus). Adults weigh about 100 kg, and the weight of individual giants can reach 400 kg.

Testudo elephantopus

Various geographical forms gigantic turtle(Testudo gigantea) 200 years ago were found in the Seychelles, Madagascar, on the island. Rodriguez and on about. Isabela. Unfortunately, fishing for these majestic animals has led to their extinction on most of the islands. Today they can only be found on Aldabra Atoll.

Both Testudo elephantopus and Testudo gigantea are unsurpassed giants of the turtle world, but other representatives of this kind can have quite impressive sizes. It's about about African spurred(Testudo sulcata) and panther(Testudo cardalis) turtles, whose shell length can reach 70 cm.

Leopard, or panther, tortoises come from the savannahs of the South and East Africa. Their habitats are characterized by a large number of varied vegetation, where they prefer grassy areas covered with low bushes. These turtles are capable of climbing mountains to heights of up to 2000 m above sea level. The main background of the carapace of panther turtles is sandy yellow. Juveniles have a dark brown pattern on the carapace scutes.

The African spurred tortoise is often confused with the Mediterranean spurred tortoise. The latter is not only much smaller in size, but also has completely different requirements for the habitat. The length of the African spurred tortoise can reach 83 cm, and the maximum recorded weight is 105 kg. You can only keep a Spurred Tortoise at home if you live in a hot, dry climate and can provide the animal with a large area to graze outside of your home. This species of turtle digs huge holes and can dig under fences and house walls. The spurred tortoise requires a lot of fresh vegetation as food.

Another rather large turtle (shell length can reach 50 cm) with magnificent coloring - Madagascar radiated tortoise(Testudo radiata) Its high, dome-shaped black carapace is decorated with bright yellow rays stretching to the edges of the scutes. In addition to this species, Madagascar is inhabited by Madagascar beaked tortoise(Testudo yniphora) and a flat turtle (Testudo planicauda), characterized by its miniature size (shell length no more than 12 cm). The same tiny South African knobby turtle(Testudo tentoria). The southern regions of the mainland are also inhabited by two larger species - beaked turtle(Testudo angulata) and geometric turtle(Testudo geometrika).

The northern regions of Africa cannot boast the same species diversity of turtles as the southern ones. In North Africa, only two species of the Testudo genus are found: the Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca) and the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleimanni).

Mediterranean turtle besides North Africa, found in Asia Minor, in southern Spain, in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, in the east Balkan Peninsula, in Iran. Prefers to live in semi-deserts, steppes, on mountain slopes and in dry sparse forests. The shell of the Mediterranean tortoise is convex, yellow or olive in color with dark spots on the scutes. There are spurs on the hips. The length of the shell can reach 35 cm. The basis of the diet is various vegetation, but if possible, it also eats invertebrates. The Mediterranean tortoise is often kept at home. It is relatively unpretentious and, with plenty of warmth and proper feeding, lives in captivity for decades.

(Testudo kleinmanni) lives in the deserts of Northeast Africa. The length of this baby's shell is only about 12 cm. The carapace is colored yellow with dark spots. When in danger, the “Egyptian” quickly buries itself in the sand.

Central Asian tortoise(Testudo horsfieldi) lives in the steppes Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, in northwestern India, as well as in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. It can be found in sandy and clayey deserts with thickets of vegetation, on cultivated lands and in river valleys. In foothill areas it can rise up to 1200 m above sea level.

Today, turtle lovers most often find this species. The most important thing when keeping a Central Asian tortoise at home is an abundance of warmth and light. green leaves, edible flowers, vegetables and fruits. With a clear schedule, they quickly get used to the place and time of feeding.

In winter Central Asian turtle it is recommended to lay .

Kinix Turtles(genus Kinichys)live in tropical areas Central Africa. This genus has a very original shell structure: the rear third of the carapace (the lower side of the shell) is connected to the main part by a transverse tendon layer. They use this feature in times of danger as a mechanism to protect the soft, fleshy parts. The largest turtle of this genus, the toothed kinix (Kiniхys erosa), reaches a length of 30 cm. Without experience, it is quite difficult.

Flathead turtles(genus Homophorus) includes 4 species. They live in South Africa, where they are found in semi-deserts and dry woodlands. These are one of the smallest land turtles (shell length is about 10-11 cm). Most close-up view in this genus - Homophorus femoralis grows to a maximum of 15 cm.

Another miniature turtle (Pyxis arachnoides), whose shell length does not exceed 10 cm, lives in the west of Madagascar. Spider turtle can be found in dry savanna woodlands or bush thickets. The anterior part of the reptile plastron is movably connected to the main part using a transverse tendinous ligament. This feature allows the animal to close in front when attacked by predators.

Another genus close to terrestrial turtles is the gopher (Gorherus). This genus is represented by (Gorherus coluphemus), which lives in the southern regions of the United States and northern Mexico, where they are found in dry sandy areas, dunes, and pine woodlands on sand. From land turtles This species is distinguished by flattened, strong front legs and wide and short claws, which are adapted for digging the ground (they can dig holes from 3 to 12 m). Gopher tortoises reach a length of 34 cm. The low, sometimes slightly lumpy shell is brown with light, fuzzy spots.

Found in Tanzania and Kenya elastic turtle(Malacochersus tornieri), which has a very unusual appearance. Its shell is formed by thin perforated bone plates and is soft to the touch. The underside of the carapace is strongly flattened and cut off almost vertically at the back, while the marginal scutes protrude back like serrated blades. The elastic turtle climbs well and climbs between stones, and when in danger, it hides under stones or in rock crevices. When you try to get it out of the crack, it becomes jammed with your feet, and perhaps even swells slightly.

Number of sources used in this article: . You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

If you have a turtle, it may be helpful to know what gender it is. However, unlike many mammals, turtles (which are not actually mammals) do not have external genitalia. This makes sex determination a more difficult task, but it can still be done. It will be easier for you to determine the sex of a turtle if you take two turtles of different sexes for comparison. If you only have one turtle, then you will need to study as much as possible more features male and female individuals to determine sex.

Look at the turtle's shell. Turtles' shells, or shells, differ slightly depending on the sex. The shell of an adult male has a more elongated shape compared to the shell of an adult female.

• When determining the sex of a turtle, this method can be quite limited because you must ensure that the turtle has reached sexual maturity. You may think it is a male, but in fact it turns out that the turtle has not yet reached sexual maturity.
• There may be differences in size between a large male and a small female, which may make it impossible to determine the sex, especially if you have one individual.

1. Examine the turtle's plastron. The plastron is the lower (ventral) part of the shell. To examine the plastron, carefully turn the turtle over so the plastron is facing up. They don't like to be upside down and may try to bite, so hold the turtle by the edges of its shell near its tail so it doesn't reach you. Carefully turn the turtle over and look at the plastron. The male's plastron is slightly concave (bends inward), while the female's is flat.

   • The concave plastron of the male turtle allows the animal to rest on the female during mating.
   • The flat shape of the female plastron is associated with the need to bear eggs.

2. Check to see if the turtle's tail has a notch. The male turtle has a V-shaped notch in the back of his shell. The notch for the tail is necessary for the turtles to mate. Otherwise, the tail may be pressed against the plastron.

   Look at the species features. Some types of turtles have characteristic sexual differences in color:

   • American Box Turtle: In 90% of cases, males have red or orange irises, while females have brown or yellow irises. Additionally, females have a taller, domed, rounded shell, while the male has a more flattened, oval or oblong-shaped shell.
   • Painted Turtle: If the turtle's plastron is blue, it is a male, and if the turtle's plastron is a color other than blue, then it is a female.

   Detailed Features

   1. Examine the turtle's claws. Male turtles use their claws when mating with females. They also use their claws to fight and defend their territory. Thus, the claws on the front paws of males tend to be longer than those of females. Again, this is more obvious when you have two turtles of different sexes to compare against each other.

      • At the red swamp aquatic turtle there is a pronounced difference between the claws of the male and female.

   2. Look at the turtle's cloaca. Males and females have a hole located at the bottom of the tail. It is called the cloaca; its location depends on gender.

      • The female's cloaca is rounder and star-shaped. It is located close to the body, almost under the shell.
      • The male's cloaca is longer and larger. It is located in the last third of the tail towards its tip.
   3. • To determine the sex of a turtle using this method, you must know the size of the tail of the male or female. Otherwise, this method may not be reliable.

   4. Combine multiple features to make a conclusion. You can fairly accurately determine the sex of a turtle if you evaluate all the characteristics described above and analyze them together. Keep in mind that some signs are less reliable than others for determining the sex of a turtle.

   • Drawings or photographs will help you analyze the cloaca. For this, for example, there is a very convenient and good book “Turtles. Contents, diseases and treatment” by D. Vasiliev.
   • There are many types sea ​​turtles(in particular, Atlantic ridleys, Kemp's sea turtles and others) that do not have external sexual characteristics. Talk to a marine veterinarian to find out what gender your turtle is.

   Warnings

   Sources

   Article information

   This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and the care of companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. Works at the same animal clinic in his hometown more than 20 years.

One of the ancient turtles, Myolania, reached a length of 5 m. 11 families of turtles (out of 26), united into 2 suborders, including up to 295 species, have been preserved. Turtles have no teeth (rudiments were found in Triassic forms) and are replaced by a horny sheath - a beak. In most forms, the body is enclosed in a shell, consisting of a carapace (upper shell) and a flat lower one - plastron. There is no sternum. The shoulder girdle is in the chest. The lungs are large and complex. Breathing occurs with the help of pumping movements of the hyoid apparatus and abdominal muscles, which is facilitated by the movements of the forelimbs and head. In freshwater turtles, additional respiratory organs in water are the outgrowths of the pharynx and cloaca (anal bladders) permeated with capillaries. Hearing is weak. Terrestrial species- phytophages, mostly aquatic predators, but more often the food is mixed for both. Turtles, especially terrestrial turtles, are resilient to injury. Males have an unpaired penis; their plastron often has concave shape. The female can lay more than 200 eggs. Maximum life expectancy is 150-200 years. During winter and dry periods, turtles may go into torpor. Enemies - crocodiles, monitor lizards, predator birds and mammals, in the sea - sharks. Man harvested turtles using meat, eggs, shell (or just its stratum corneum), also for keeping in zoos and vivariums.

The family of snapping or alligator turtles (Chelydridae) includes 2 genera and 2 species, distributed from North America to Ecuador. Known since the Eocene, i.e. 35 million years ago, they are distinguished, in particular, by a large head with a powerful beak and a long tail - more than half the length of the body - with keeled ridges, like a crocodile. The snapping or snapping turtle (Chelydra segrentina) occurs within the range of the family, reaching a length of 1 m and a weight of up to 30 kg. Predator: also attacks ducks; She bit off the fingers of people bathing. Cold-resistant: can crawl on ice. One of the turtles lived for several years in the city sewer.

The family of freshwater turtles (Emydidae) includes 31 genera and 85 species inhabiting the southern half of the North and northeast South America, south and west Europe, south and southeast Asia. Known since the Eocene. To p. Kachuga - roof turtles There are 7 species known from India and Burma. Their length is up to 40 cm, food is aquatic plants. To the family box turtles(Terrapene) belongs to 4 species, distributed from southern Canada to the southern USA and Mexico and having a length of up to 16 cm. The box-shaped, more convex shell than that of other species can be closed. In addition, they have a reduction in the membranes between their fingers, which indicates a transition to a terrestrial lifestyle. The 5 species of European water turtles (Mauremys) are distributed in northwestern Africa, southern Europe and southern Asia.

The Caspian turtle (M. caspica) inhabits water bodies from the Iberian Peninsula to southern Turkmenistan. Predator. The diet includes (according to A.G. Bannikov) medium-sized animals (turtle length up to 23 cm): amphipods, crayfish, gobies, locusts, grasshoppers, as well as seaweed, horsetails, sedges, reeds, reeds, wormwood. Food is eaten more often on land. It overwinters in silt and can be under water for up to 3 hours (at air temperature = 30°C) and up to 87 hours (at air temperature = 10°C).

The genus of marsh turtles includes 2 species, of which the most widely known is the European marsh turtle (Emys orbicularis), which inhabits North Africa, central and southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. In the Volga-Kama region it goes north to the bend of the Belaya River (Bashkortostan) and the middle reaches of pp. Big Cheremshan and Small Cheremshan (Tatarstan). Findings of a turtle in 10 districts of the Nizhny Novgorod region require clarification. The plastron and carapace of the marsh turtle are connected by ligaments. Predator. The food found (according to A.G. Bannikov) included pupae of mosquitoes, locusts, grasshoppers, mole crickets, mole crickets, woodlice, tadpoles and frogs, as well as plants. Overwinters in the mud. You can stay under water from 6 to 83 hours, depending on the temperature. Lives up to 120 years.

From the family painted turtles Chrysemys, common in North America, is known for C. picta, an ornate turtle widely bred in captivity. There is evidence that this species has taken root in the waters of Hungary. These turtles have a mixed diet.

The family of land turtles (Testudinidae) includes 11 genera with 39 species, distributed in America, Africa, southern Europe and Asia. The genus Testudo includes 4 species living around the Mediterranean Sea, the Caucasus and Iran. The most famous of them is the Mediterranean turtle (T. graeca), which inhabits northern Africa, southern Europe and southwest Asia. The species' range in Russia includes two areas: on the Black Sea coast, from the borders of Abkhazia to Anapa, and in Dagestan. The length of its carapace is up to 35 cm. The carapace is high. Distributed from sea ​​coasts to semi-deserts, lowland and tugai forests and mountain slopes. It is a phytophage, but also eats shellfish and insects. Active during the day. In the spring, mating takes place, accompanied by fights between males. In May-June, the female lays eggs (2-9 eggs in three clutches). Young ones appear in July-September. From October-November they go into burrows for the winter. The number is declining. Included in the Red Book of Russia.

The Central Asian tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii) is the only species of the genus. Distributed from Iran to northern Pakistan and Xinjiang; in Kazakhstan, the northern border of the range runs approximately from the river. Emba to r. Turgai and khr. Tarbagatai. Lives in deserts, gorges and mountain slopes. The length of the carapace is up to 29 cm. In nature, it lives up to 30 years. Daytime activity. In spring it wakes up in March-April. Reproduction until the end of May. The female lays 1-6 eggs in 2-3 clutches. Hatched turtles remain overwintering in the ground until spring. A phytophage, it sometimes eats invertebrates, and a house mouse was once found in its stomach. Enemies - monitor lizard, fox, raven and birds of prey. In 1967, the Kazakh zoo plant sent 43 thousand copies to Paris and London. Included in the list of the International Trade Convention.

The genus Geochelone includes 16 species of large turtles from America, Africa and Asia. Best known elephant turtle(G. elephantopus), living in the Galapagos Islands and reaching a length of 150 cm and a weight of 400 kg. Lives 200-250 years or more. Can reach speeds of up to 300 m/hour. Described by Charles Darwin back in 1835. Over 300 years, about 10 million specimens were exported mainly by sailors for meat and for zoos. The Charles Darwin Foundation is engaged in the protection of turtles. A reserve has been created. All 12 extant subspecies are included in the IUCN Red List. The giant tortoise (G. gigantea) lives in open areas of Aldabra Island in the Seychelles group of islands, where the species is seriously competed by wild goats brought to the island, which have taken over the reptiles’ pastures. They are currently being hunted. In the 1960s it was planned to create a large military base here. But the scientific community managed to defend the island. In 1975, a natural reserve was created on Aldabra and a research station operates. In addition, turtles were introduced on other Seychelles islands, Reunion Island, Mauritius Island, Nosy Be Island off the coast of Madagascar, etc. The carapace length of this turtle reaches 120 and 156 cm, weight - more than 200 kg. Lives (in captivity) for more than 150 years. The species has population regulation mechanisms (changes in the number of eggs laid). Included in the IUCN Red List.

Endemic to Madagascar is the radiated tortoise (G. radiata), up to 38 cm long and weighing up to 13 kg. Distributed in xerophytic forests of the southern part of the island. A phytophage, on occasion actively eats animal food. In the XVIII-XIX centuries. used as food, which caused overharvesting. It is protected in the Tsimanampetsosa Nature Reserve and is included in the IUCN Red List by special law of the country. 2 subspecies leopard tortoise(G. pardalis), with a carapace length up to 70 cm, are found in the central and south africa. Included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Animals. In the tropical forests of South America, on the island. Trinidad and the Lesser Antilles live the forest turtle or shabuti (G. denticulata). Phytophage. Used for food (the size of its carapace is up to 60 cm). Included in Annex II of the Convention on International Trade.

The family of sea turtles (Cheloniidae) includes species that live in equatorial and tropical waters of the globe and often swim into temperate latitudes. The family has 4 genera with 6-7 species. Loggerhead or loggerhead turtle ( Caretta caretta) has a carapace length of up to 105 cm and a weight of 158 kg. Floats into the hall. La Plata, in the Barents Sea (region of Murmansk), in 1940 it was mined in the hall. Peter the Great. A predator that feeds on benthos, mainly mollusks and crayfish, also sponges, jellyfish, and fish. Lays eggs (up to 150 pieces) along the shores of Oman, Florida, and Australia. Included in the IUCN Red List.

Hawksbill (Eretmochelys im - bricata), reaching a length of 90 cm, swims to the shores of England, Holland, and Italy. Food: benthic invertebrates, fish. Lays up to 200 eggs. Turtles were used for food and to produce “turtle bone” used for haberdashery. Included in the IUCN Red List. The green or soup turtle (Chelonia mydas) reaches a length of 140 cm and a weight of 450 kg. It swims as far as England and Bulgaria. Breeds off the coast of Oman and Pakistan in the Arabian Sea, Malaysia and the Philippines in the South China Sea, off Kalimantan, Australia, Mozambique, on the islands and shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the Caribbean. Feeds aquatic plants(zostera, kelp), occasionally crustaceans and mollusks. The eggs are eaten by raccoons, ocelots, and dogs, and the hatched turtles are eaten by birds and fish. A research station has been established in Costa Rica. Listed in the IUCN Red List.

The leatherback turtle family (Dermochelydae) includes 1 species. The leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), reaching a length of 2 m and weighing about 600 kg (fin span 3 m), nests on the tropical coasts of three oceans, feeds in temperate waters, swimming to the shores of Europe and Far East(mined in the south of the Far East and the Bering Sea). The main breeding grounds are on the Pacific coast of Mexico, off French Georgia and in Western Malaysia. Lays up to 130 eggs. Food - jellyfish, crustaceans, algae, also fish, echinoderms, mollusks. By collecting and incubating eggs and then releasing young animals, it was possible in 1971-81. increase the number from 29 thousand to approximately 104 thousand. In this species, the ribs and spine are not fused with the shell, there is no horny shell. The bones are filled with fat, which in museum pieces can ooze for years. Over 400 years (since 1558), about 40 specimens have been mined. Included in the IUCN Red List.

The family of three-clawed turtles (Trionychidae) has a highly reduced bony shell. The plastron and carapace are connected by ligaments. The head ends in a soft proboscis with nostrils. The outgrowths of the pharyngeal mucosa functionally replace the gills. There are 14 genera and 24 species in the family. They live in fresh water bodies of North America, Africa, New Guinea and Asia. Far Eastern turtle(Pelodiscus sinensis) was formerly classified in the genus Trionyx (or Amyda). It has a length of up to 40 cm and a weight of up to 4.5 kg. The species is distributed in China, Korea, northern Vietnam and Japan, introduced to the island. Guam and Hawaiian Islands. In Russia it is found in the basins of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, on lake. Hanka. Lives in slow-flowing rivers, oxbow lakes and lakes. Doesn't go far from the water. Most often hunts at dusk and at night. They overwinter in the mud. The female lays 18-75 eggs in a hole on a sandy (occasionally pebble) shore (up to 150 eggs per season). Clutches are destroyed by raccoon dogs, foxes, badgers, wild boars, and crows. Food: fish, crustaceans, insects, worms, shellfish. Very aggressive. The number of the species in Russia is falling, its range is shrinking. There have been attempts at artificial breeding and protection of clutches from predators. Included in the Red Book of Russia.

Of the diapsid groups, representatives of the subclasses of archosaurs and lepidosaurs have survived to this day. The order Pseudosuchia, known since the end of the Permian period, divided into several branches. Representatives of the aquatic branch - crocodiles - have been known since the Triassic, i.e. their age is more than 230 million years.