The tortoise (essentially a land turtle) has been around for a very long time. It is one of the world’s oldest living creatures, and it is not subject to extinction because it was able to survive in different climates and in some places, completely alone. This article will discuss this majestic animal which seems to have an eternity of wisdom.
Tortoises come from different nations, such as the African spur-thighed tortoise which inhabits the deserts of Africa, and the Asian box turtle which can be found in Asia. They are also relatively smaller than other related animals including turtles that live on land or sea creatures like sharks or dolphins. this article discusses different types of land turtles and some of their distinguishing features:
1. Red-Footed Tortoise
Also known as the red-legged tortoise, the red-footed tortoise is a small species of tortoise that has a brightly colored plastron. The legs of this type of turtle are normally a yellow and red color, hence its name. The shell is usually about five to six inches in length.
The Red-footed Tortoise inhabits parts of South America, Africa and southern Asia. It lives in areas that have plenty of water and grassland. As a result, it often burrows into the ground to hide from predators and to find food.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Red-footed tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Chelonoidis (population of several species)
- Binomial name: Chelonoidis carbonaria
- Average size: Up to four and a half inches long.
- type: Land
- Life span: Unknown, but is expected to be 50 years or more.
- Popular locations: Found in various parts of South America, Africa and Asia.
2. Grandidier’s Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys Grandidieri)
The Grandidier’s giant tortoise was a land turtle living in the south of Madagascar where they could be found near all sizes of freshwater rivers, swamps and marshes.The Grandidier’s giant tortoise could grow to be up to 18 inches in length and weigh up to 200 pounds. This turtle had a shell that was black or brown in color with two yellow stripes on it running from its head to its tail; its feet are dark green and yellow and had horny shields on its plastron (bottom of shell).
Species Overview:
- Common name: Grandidier’s giant tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae (family of turtles)
- Genus: Aldabrachelys (family of turtles)
- Binomial name: Aldabrachelys grandidieri
- Average size: Approximately 7 to 10 inches long.
- Life span: they lived up to 50 years in the wild; in captivity, they could live longer than 50 years. type: Land
- Popular locations: Found throughout much of Madagascar, declared extinct
3. Pancake Tortoise
The pancake tortoise is a turtle native to much of Africa; they can be found in areas around rivers, swamps, streams and ponds but prefer being around quiet bodies of water where they spend most of their time. It has a brown shell with yellow stripes on it. The tortoise grows to be up to a foot in length and can weigh up to five pounds.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Pancake tortoise
- Genus: Malacochersus (family of turtles)
- Family: Testudinidae (family of turtles)
- Binomial name: Malacochersus tornieri
- Average size : Approximately 3.5 to 7 inches long.
- life span : they can live up to 40 years in the wild; in captivity they can live longer than 40 years. type: Land
- Popular locations: Found throughout a wide range of East Africa, not threatened or endangered.
4. African Spurred Tortoise
African spurred tortoises are found in Africa and parts of Southern Asia, including Madagascar and a few other islands in the Indian Ocean – they have been listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to their dwindling populations. They are a medium-sized tortoise that is generally brown in color with a yellow or cream-colored underside. They are known for having a spur on the inner thigh of each leg.
They can be commonly found living in areas with plenty of water and dense vegetation. They often spend time buried deeply underground where they are able to conserve their energy, escape their predators, and find food.
Species Overview:
- Common name: African spurred tortoise
- Family: Chelidae (family of tortoises)
- Genus: Centrochelys (family of tortoises)
- trinomial name: Centrochelys sulcata
- Average size: Males grow to six feet, while females are generally six inches shorter.
- Life span: Up to 50 years; males live longer than females, up to 80 years.
- Popular locations: Found in the African continent and some parts of Southern Asia, including Madagascar and some other islands in the Indian Ocean
5. Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo Hermanni)
The Hermann’s tortoise is a species of tortoise that are native to southern parts of Europe. It is the second largest European land tortoise (slightly smaller than the common Mediterranean tortoise). The males are about 20 cm, (7.9 in) while females are slightly smaller at about 15 cm (5.9 in). It is fairly common on the plains and steppes of northern Africa, even where human settlements are fairly close. Hunting occasionally takes place for food. The animals in this species live to be about 60 years old, with males surviving slightly longer than females.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Hermann’s tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Testudo
- Species: T. hermanni
- Binomial name: Testudo hermanni
- Average size: 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Habitat: Grasslands and open savanna regions
- Life span: 40-50 years in the wild; more than 50 years in captivity
- Popularly locations: Found throughout Southern Europe
6. Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone Elegans)
The Indian Star tortoise is a species of tortoise from the Indian subcontinent. It is native to southern India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar. They live in grasslands and forests throughout their native range. They are fairly large, growing to about 10 inches (25 cm). The males have a rather large bulging snout, while the females are more slender. This species is listed as Least Concern on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Indian Star tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Geochelone
- Species: G. elegans
- Binomial name: Geochelone elegans
- Average size: 10-12 inches (25 cm)
- Habitat: Grasslands, riverbanks and wet lands.
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity.
- Popularly Locations: Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar.
7. Greek Tortoise (Testudo Graeca)
The Greek tortoise is a species of tortoise that is originally from Greece, and Sardinia. They are now widely found in many European countries, and also in the United States. It is a fairly large species of tortoise with the females growing to about 12 inches (30 cm). The males are slightly smaller at about 8 inches (20 cm).
Species Overview:
- Common name: Greek Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Testudo graeca (Greek Tortoise)
- Species: T. g. graeca and T. g. agassizi
- Binomial name: Testudo graeca and T. graeca agassizi (Greek Tortoise)
- Average size: 12 to 15 inches (30-40 cm)
- Habitat: Bordered grasslands, riverbanks, and wet lands.
- Life span: 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity.
- Popularly Locations: Greece, Cyprus, Sardinia, Italy and France.
8. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
The Egyptian tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to Egypt. It has been found in the deserts of Northern Africa. They can be found in some parts of Europe, and are relatively commonly seen in the United States and Australia. This species grows to about 6 inches (15 cm). The females are smaller than males by about 18% at 7-9 inches (12-22 cm), while males are slightly larger at 9-11 inches (23-28.7 cm). The female becomes mature when she reaches 8-10 years old, while male tortoises reach maturity when they are 10 years old. This species is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Egyptian Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Testudo graeca (Greek Tortoise) (Egyptian Tortoise) (Mastacailo) kleinmanni (Klein’s tortoise) and T. kleinmanni brachytheca (Brachytheca tortoise) (Lemmon tortoise)
- Species: T. g. graeca, T. g. kleinmanni and T. g. brachytheca
- Binomial name: Testudo graeca, T. g. kleinmanni and T. g. brachytheca.
- Average size: 6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
- Habitat: Bordered grasslands, riverbanks, and wet lands.
- Life span: 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity.
- Popularly Locations: Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and France
9. Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
The Marginated tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. It can also be found in parts of Greece, Turkey and northern Africa. This tortoises habitat includes forests, meadows, bush, scrub land and cultivated areas. They tend to live in open areas with few trees. The females are much larger than the males and can grow to about 15-17 inches (38 – 43 cm). The males on the other hand are only about 10-12 inches (25 – 30 cm) long. They are sometimes kept as pets by reptile enthusiasts due to their slightly smaller size. This species is listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Marginated Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Testudo
- Species: T. g. graeca, T. g. marginate and T. g. marginata
- Binomial name: Testudo marginata
- Average size: 15-17 inches (38-43 cm).
- Habitat: Bordered grasslands, riverbanks, and wet lands.
- Life span: 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity.
- Popularly Locations: Northern Africa, Germany, France and Netherlands.
10. Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)
The radiated tortoise or radiata tortoise are a species of tortoise that was mostly found in Madagascar, but its range has now become smaller. It used to be found on many islands around the Indian Ocean and they have been introduced to surrounding countries. They can be found in open grasslands and forested areas. The females can grow up to 40 cm, while males are about 30 cm long.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Radiated Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Astrochelys
- Species: radiata
- Binomial name: Astrochelys radiata and A. r. madagascariensis
- Average size: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
- Habitat: Open grasslands, forested areas, scrub land and cultivated areas
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: Madagascar, Réunion, Comoros and Sri Lanka
11. Texas Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri)
The Texas tortoise is a species of tortoise that are native to the United States of America. They are widely found in many countries around the world, and also in parts of Europe and Asia. They are mainly found in wooded areas with a grassy underlay. These tortoises can be found engaging in combat with other males to establish a dominance order. In some cases, they will engage in battles until one male has lost all his limbs and is eventually killed by another male. This species is listed as Least Concern on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Texas Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Gopherus
- Species: G. berlandieri
- Binomial name: Gopherus berlandieri
- Average size: 9 inches (22.86 cm)
- Habitat: Wooded areas and scrub land
- Life span: 70 years in the wild; up to 60 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: Mexico, Louisiana, Florida and New Mexico
12. Speckled cape tortoise (Chersobius signatus)
The speckled cape tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to South Africa. They can be found in different habitats such as arid bushveld, grassland, wet savanna and seasonally flooded grassland. They thrive in areas with sandy soil and sparse vegetation. They mainly eat fruits, vines, succulents and tubers. This species is listed as Least Concern on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Speckled Cape Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Chersobius Species: C. signatus
- Binomial name: Charsobius signatus
- Average size: 18–36 cm (7-14 inches)
- Habitat: Arid bushveld, grassland, wet savanna and seasonally flooded grassland
- Life span: Up to 60 years in the wild; up to 50 years in captivity
- Popularly Location: South Africa
13. Yellow Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus)
The yellow-footed tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to the southern regions of South America. They are mainly found in Argentina and Brazil. They can be found living in the underbrush of lowland rainforests and they can also be found crossing roads at night during the wet season. This species is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Yellow Footed Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Chelonoidis
- Species: denticulatus
- Binomial name: Chelonoidis denticulata
- Average size: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests
- Life span: Up to 40 years in the wild; around 30 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: Argentina, Brazil, Hawaii and Puerto Rico
14. Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys)
The Asian forest tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They are mainly found in the evergreen forests, woodlands, scrub land, open grassland and cultivated areas. This species can be easily identified due to its reddish brown coloration on the limbs and lips. The head and neck is also red in color with yellow patches. This species is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Asian Forest Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Manouria (Asian Forest Tortoise) (Indian forest tortoise) and T. emys (emys tortoise)
- Species: T. emys
- Binomial name: Manouria emys and T. e. capensis
- Average size: 75–110 cm (30-43 inches)
- Habitat: Evergreen forests, woodlands, scrub land, open grassland and cultivated areas
- Life span: Up to 60 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
The ploughshare tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to Madagascar. They prefer areas with sparse vegetation and sandy soil and they are mainly found in the dry spiny forests, semi-arid thorn forests and forest edges. They can be found seeking refuge under rocks during the dry season. This species is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Ploughshare Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Astrochelys
- Species: Astrochelys yniphora
- Binomial name: Astrochelys yniphora
- Average size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
- Habitat: Dry thorn forests, semi-arid thorn forests and forest edges
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Location: Madagascar
16. Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa)
The impressed tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to Indonesia. They can be found in areas with dense vegetation as well as grassland and mangrove forests. This species prefers to live in undisturbed habitat and often burrows into the soil during the dry season. This species is listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Impressed Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Manouria
- Species: M. impressa
- Binomial name: Manouria impressa
- Average size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
- Habitat: Dense vegetation, grassland and mangrove forests
- Life span: Up to 60 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations : Indonesia and Malaysia
17. Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis)
The Chaco tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to the grasslands of South America. They can be found living in shallow, temporary pools and flooded savannas during the wet season. During the dry season, they burrow underground in order to conserve moisture. These species are listed as Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Chaco Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Chelonoidis
- Species: C. chilensis
- Binomial name: Chelonoidis chilensis
- Average size: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
- Habitat: Shallow, temporary pools and flooded savannas during the wet season; burrows underground during dry season
- Life span: Up to 60 years in the wild; around 39 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay
18. Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota)
The Burmese star tortoise is a species of tortoise that is native to the Southern part of Asia. The Burmese star tortoise is found in India, Burma, and Sri Lanka. This species of tortoise was once named after its unique shell shape which resembles the stars in the sky; this was then changed to be more descriptive. It is classified as
Species Overview:
- Common name: Burmese Star Tortoise
- Family : Testudinidae
- Genus: Geochelone
- Species: G. platynota
- Binomial name: Geochelone platynota
- Average size: Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
- Habitat: Southern parts of Asia
- Life span: 51 years in the wild; around 34 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations : India, Burma, and Sri Lanka
19. Forsten’s Tortoise
The Forsten’s tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii) is a species of tortoise that lives in the Indo-Malayan Archipelago. They are mainly found in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. It is one of the most commonly kept tortoises in captivity. This species is listed as critically endangered on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Forsten’s Tortoise
- Family : Testudinidae
- Genus: Indotestudo
- Species: I. forstenii
- Binomial name: Indotestudo forstenii
- Average size: Up to 25 cm (10 inches)
- Habitat: Indo-Malayan Archipelago
- Life span: Up to 75 years in the wild; around 50 years in captivity
- Popularly Location : Thailand.
20. Tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius)
The tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) is a species of tortoise that is native to South Africa. The tent tortoise is well known for its shell which consists of thick, jointed plating on the carapace. This species of tortoise was bred by a South African ex-president, John Vorster due to his interest in biology. He would go on to become the president of South Africa in 1978 until 1982. This species is listed as endangered on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Tent Tortoise
- Family : Testudinidae
- Genus: Psammobates
- Species: P. tentorius
- Average size: Up to 8.5 cm (3 inches)
- Habitat: South Africa’s Eastern Cape
- Life span: Up to 30 years in the wild; around 24 years in captivity
- Popularly Location : South Africa’s Eastern Cape
21. Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica)
The Travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) is a species of tortoise that is native to South Asia. The Travancore tortoise is named after the state in India where the type locality of this species was found. This species is listed as critically endangered on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Travancore Tortoise
- Family : Testudinidae
- Genus: Indotestudo
- Species: I. travancorica
- Binomial name: Indotestudo travancorica
- Average size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)
- Habitat: South Asia
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 37 years in captivity
- Popularly Location : India’s Western Ghats
22. Bell’s hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana)
The Bell’s hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) is a species of tortoise that is native to East Africa. The Bell’s hinge-back tortoise is most well known for its unique shell shape which looks like an hourglass. This species of tortoise was named after the American ornithologist William T. Gibbons Bell who collected specimens in the 19th century. This species is listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Bell’s Hinge-Back Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Kinixys
- Species: K. belliana
- Binomial name: Kinixys belliana
- Average size: Up to 14 cm (5.5 inches)
- Habitat: East Africa
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Location: East Africa
23. Home’s hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana)
The Home’s hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana) is a species of tortoise that is native to west and East Africa. The Home’s Hinge-back tortoise was named after the American collector John T.A. Home who collected specimens in the 19th century. This species of tortoise was first recognized from a specimen that was sent to the British Museum in 1878; this specimen is now kept in the Natural History section of the Museum at Tring, England. This species is listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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Species Overview:
- Common name: Home’s Hinge-Back Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Kinixys
- Species: K. homeana
- Binomial name: Kinixys homeana
- Average size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)
- Habitat: East Africa
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations: Most countries in West Africa.
24. Geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus)
The Geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) is a species of tortoise that is native to the Southwestern parts of Africa. The Geometric tortoise was named after its unique shell shape, which resembles geometric patterns; especially circles. This species is listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Species Overview:
- Common name: Geometric Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Psammobates
- Species: P. geometricus
- Binominal name: Psammobates geometricus
- Average size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
- Habitat: Southwestern parts of Africa
- Life span: Up to 50 years in the wild; around 40 years in captivity
- Popularly Locations : West of South Africa
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