The terrapin stretching desperately for frog eggs was a small but memorable scene in the predator–prey drama which plays out daily in the wild.
This special sighting was captured on film by ranger Mel Groenewald.
Hungry terrapin shows sheer determination
The shallow waters where frogs lay their eggs often teem with opportunistic feeders. Terrapins like this one are no exception.
With webbed feet paddling furiously and neck craning forward, the terrapin used every ounce of reach to snap up the gelatinous clusters.
Frogspawn is nutrient-rich, offering a concentrated burst of energy and protein. For the terrapin, this is a seasonal delicacy worth the effort.
The urgency in its movements highlighted the competitive nature of such feeding moments. Fish, insects, and even birds may also be drawn to the eggs.
For the terrapin, hesitation could mean losing the meal entirely.
The terrapin extended its neck to the maximum and gained leverage by pushing against the reeds beneath it. It was a determined little guy!
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With a victorious effort, it thrust its head deep into the nest, capturing a generous mouthful of gooeyness.
Terrapin continues to press in for more food
However, the initial nibble was just enough to whet the turtle’s appetite. Dissatisfied with this tiny bite, the terrapin then pivoted around, striking from a different angle.
However, this time its balance faltered and its reach fell short, causing it to plop back into the water.
Some frogs create these white, frothy nests filled with eggs by churning their hind legs during nesting. Suspended low over water sources, these nests are perfectly positioned to allow tadpoles to drop safely into the water once they hatch.
Unless a hungry terrapin, such as this one, is on the hunt…
The terrapin knew a good thing when it saw one, and continued to reach out for more nibbles of the sustaining delicacy.
Terrapins are opportunistic omnivores, eating plants, small fish, insects, carrion, and amphibian eggs, such as these ones. They have strong jaws designed for crushing and tearing, making them well-suited to bite into slippery, jelly-coated frog eggs.
Their feeding habits help keep amphibian populations in check, preventing overbreeding in small water bodies.
One last bite, and the terrapin moves off
This gallant effort by the terrapin to feed might have gone unnoticed had Mel not determined to enjoy every facet of wildlife at the waterhole.
Eventually, after having little success in securing enough food from the gooey frogspawn, the terrapin finally accepted defeat and turned to go.
Before swimming off, it looked back at the nest one last time. It then moved off in search of easier-to-access food.
In places like the Mala Mala game reserve, terrapins may actively seek out frogspawn during breeding season when eggs are plentiful. This predation helps to keep the wetland’s natural balance in check through preventing frog populations from overwhelming the ecosystem.
Terrapins often feed stealthily from below as this one did, using their long necks to reach eggs without fully surfacing.
