This 'Crocodile Turtle' Can Live For 5 Years Underground!

The Marsh Terrapin aka The Crocodile Turtle, the African Helmeted Turtle, or the African Side-Necked Turtle ( Pelomedusa subrufa ), is a dominant species of semi-aquatic Chelonian / Testudine, occupying the marshes and swamps through much of Africa. The terrapin is knows to be an efficient ambush predator giving it the name of the crocodile turtle, snatching large prey items such as wading birds. In times of drought and extreme heat the terrapin is able to dig down underground for months up to years until the conditions get right again. Because they have long necks, they tuck their neck under the protection of their shell sideways.

*DISCLAIMER*
Jack Randall has extensive experience handling and studying wild animals. Where filming with dangerous animals Made in the Wild works with scientists and wildlife institutions. Do not attempt to handle wild animals without appropriate training and permits.

About Jack Randall:
Jack is a zoologist on an adventure! His mission is to show off the world’s most amazing animals. And to do that he must explore the world’s most wild places… You can also catch Jack on his TV show with National Geographic Wild / Disney+ called "Out There with Jack Randall" . Jack was educated at Oxford University following an apprenticeship with the iconic Steve Irwin (which started when Jack was 14!).

What Are Creature Features?
All creatures have evolved different tricks to survive in the wild places they call their homes! Each animal has an awesome story about how they look, what they eat and even how they move! Creature Features spotlight the stories behind these crazy cool adaptations.

The Science:
With over 1 Million species on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, animal populations are in decline the world over. This is due to many reasons but what we know for sure is to keep the planet's amazing diversity of wildlife we need to learn as much as possible about where and how these creatures live their lives. Collating all the data we are gathering will help build a picture of which habitats are key to sustaining the largest diversity of life on planet earth.

Thanks to our amazing team without whom the series would not have been possible!

Sarah Ash, Edit
Suzie Brearley, Production
Alex Whitcombe & Rachel Hagreen, Camera
Rodney Katutja, Field Support
Mike Wyatt, Graphics

[TheWildlifeBrothers]

Marsh terrapins are impressive little reptiles, I didn’t realize that they had such a reputation as predators! Considering that behavior where they stick just their head out of the water, I’m not surprised that they’ve earned the name crocodile turtle. Great job finally getting one in hand, I know that wasn’t easy!
- Harrison and Evan

[darshilkhandve]

Great video Jack as always appreciate your hard work and dedication for every video love your videos as always :)

[CarlosLopez-mlmo]

Hola tengo 15 años y me encantan los animales salvaje desde que tenía 6 años, me concidero más que nada bichero😊, soy tu fans, desde Uruguay 🇺🇾🇺🇾 un gran saludó

[JamesNyeVRGuy]

Let's go another Made in the Wild!

[Hezaryus]

I can feel how happy you are making these videos, love your channel keep it up!!

[science]

Your work is amazing
Jack is my idol
Thank you very much for this video

[عبدالجليلعبدالجليل-ذض]

Wow amazing video
All your adventures are very great
What is your favorite animal?

[chazbretz]

I did the same thing with a spiny soft shelled turtle. Spent about 30 minutes climbing over a giant log jam trying to get to an adult male that was basking.
Crazy Cool Jack and Crew

Edit: I did end up capturing said turtle

[wildvibrant]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful, informative video like every time ✨💛, how can I work like u pls guide me, I'm zoologist.