Giant TURTLE of Central Africa.
Etymology: Probably Lingala (Bantu) word.
Variant name: Ndendecki.
Physical description: Rounded shell, 12–15
feet in diameter.
Behavior: Aquatic. Feeds on organic matter.
Distribution: Likouala aux Herbes River, Republic
of the Congo.
Possible explanation: The African softshell turtle
(Trionyx triunguis) reaches a length of 3 feet
(possibly as much as 6 feet) and has an elongated
snout. It is found in ponds, lakes, and
rivers from Egypt to West Africa. Allowing for
witness exaggeration, older outsize specimens
could account for the Ndendeki tradition, according
to Marcellin Agnagna and Roy Mackal.