I was surprised to find this Serrated Hinged Terrapin and Nile Crocodile basking together on the Shire River in Malawi, especially as it appears that the terrapin had a run-in with a Crocodile before. On the other hand, it could be that it relies on its “Skunk” defense…
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An uneasy truce for sure. Amazing what turtles can withstand. I’ve seen many injuries, too, but alas not from predators, but from us - cars and boats. When you say skunk defense, I take it that means the turtle will spray some kind of musk or something to try to get the croc to let go?
Definitely a monochrome photo. They are certainly well camouflaged. I guess the turtle feels safe around the croc. Kind of makes me think of the tortoise and the hare fable.
Wow! That’s an amazing sighting you got to witness. There are a lot of stories of unusual friendships being formed in the animal world. Thanks for sharing!
Great combo to see out in nature and surprising. I much prefer the color version, as the croc teeth look much more foreboding to me with the color stains. Good one.