The scientific name Pelusios is derived from the Greek word pēlos, which means "mud" or "clay",[3] and this is reflected by the turtles living in streams and rivers with a muddy bottom.

Certain species, in isolated areas or with reduced populations, need to be observed as they face a distinct extinction possibility given the significant number collected by native people.

[5] The jaw closure articulates on a pterygoid trochlear surface which lacks a synovial capsule but instead contains a saclike duct full of fluid from the mouth cavity.

[5] They are predominantly carnivorous, eating a variety of arthropods, worms, or other small animals found by way of foraging the bottom of their aquatic habitats.

[14] The species are endangered due to threat of drainage, predation, and invasion by alien flora, combined with a shrunken living area.

[14] Hope for reversal of this trend is evidenced by the rapid population recovery of Pelusios subniger parietalis on Frégate Island after habitat improvement.

[15] Several reviews undertaken for the study of potential effects of global warming on biodiversity have provided evidence for Africa being the most vulnerable of all continents.

[14] Endemic species such as Pelusios could suffer the worst impact of climate change because of their restricted range and narrow ecological requirements.