Golden River Turtle
The Golden River Turtle is the enigmatic mascot of the rivers within The Greenwood. Named after the golden patterns on its shell, the turtle is an elusive creature, whose sightings are taken as signs of good luck and a healthy ecosystem. Long a symbol of strength among the Olosse, the Golden River Turtle is a vital piece of the Greenwood's ecosystem.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Golden River Turtle is a fairly large river turtle, being only outmatched in size by snapping turtles. The swampy colored turtle can reach sizes of up to 2.5 feet from snout to tail, and about 25 lbs. Known for being hard to spot, Golden River Turtles have a rather sleek build for turtles that allows them to be extremely evasive both in and out of the water.
Most important to the Golden River Turtle is its shell. Though the turtle has a leaner, sleeker build than its cousin the Great Snapping Turtle, the Golden River Turtle features a shell that is significantly stronger than other turtle species. The gold and red/orange patterned shell is exceptionally hard, so much so that it is considered one of, if not the hardest biological material across Dendralis. This, combined with the turtle's elusiveness, make hunting it an unnecessarily exhaustive task for any man, elf, or animal.
Most important to the Golden River Turtle is its shell. Though the turtle has a leaner, sleeker build than its cousin the Great Snapping Turtle, the Golden River Turtle features a shell that is significantly stronger than other turtle species. The gold and red/orange patterned shell is exceptionally hard, so much so that it is considered one of, if not the hardest biological material across Dendralis. This, combined with the turtle's elusiveness, make hunting it an unnecessarily exhaustive task for any man, elf, or animal.
Ecology and Habitats
Gilden River Turtles thrive within the Greenwood. The fresh rivers feature plenty of small fish and ample habitat for the turtles to thrive. Similarly, the dense vegetation provides an unlimited supply of vegetal food and plenty of additional protection from predators.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Golden River Turtle fulfills the vast majority of their dietary needs on the lush vegetation that banks the rivers withing the Greenwood. They will occasionally supplement this largely plant-based diet with insects and small fish, particularly in the summer months.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Golden River Turtles are found almost exclusively in and around the rivers of the Greenwood enjoying the cover of the dense foliage in addition to the rivers being exceptionally clear. These turtles have been seen on occasion up river in the central steppes. In recent centuries, they have been spotted in the rivers of the Fertile Valley, a good sign of the species' health.
Scientific Name
Lauretercus Aurearëa (Genus: Lauretercus, Species: aurearëa – combining "golden" and "river")
Lifespan
80 years
Average Weight
15-25lbs
Average Length
2.5 feet
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The Golden River Turtle has dark, swampy olive color skin that also covers the vast majority of its shell - including the underside. The top of the shell features intricate patterns of orange and gold lines as well, with the orange lines leaning redder with the females, and more of a deeper orange for the males. These golden lines that all genders feature are also bioluminescent. The gold will glow bright and deep around sunrise and sunset, and will almost completely dim out when the sun is down, and be impossible to differentiate from reflection when the sun is up. These glowing patterns give the turtle its name.
Geographic Distribution
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