Tortoise Library

                           

Tortoise, Turtle and Terrapin:

Tortoise:

 Tortoises are a family called Testudiniae, the land-dwelling Turtles in the order Testudines. Contrary to popular belief, tortoises are in fact turtles rather than part of a separate group. Like most turtles, tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the two are connected by the bridge. The carapace is fused to both the vertebrae and rib-cage, and turtles are unique among vertebrates in that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are inside, rather than outside, the rib-cage. Tortoises can vary in size from a few centimeters to two meters. They are usually diurnal animals with tendencies to be crepuscular depending on the ambient temperatures. They are generally reclusive animals. Tortoises are herbivore animals they eat grasses,cactus etc.

Although the word "tortoise" is used by biologists in reference to the family Testudinidae only. Tortoise live on land and cannot swim. Tortoises are  terrestrial species, including semi-aquatic species that live near ponds and streams .A "tortoise" has feet while a "turtle" has flippers this is the difference between them.If you have a tortoise it great to share about you have a specious from very older than 200 million years is lived with Dinosaurs. of course Tortoise is also a kind of Dinosaurs Family. Still living Dinosaur is a Tortoise now they are in endangered species list.

Turtle:

 Most turtles that spend most of their lives on land have their eyes looking down at objects in front of them. Some aquatic turtles, such as snapping turtles and soft-shelled turtles, have eyes closer to the top of the head. These species of turtles can hide from predators in shallow water, where they lie entirely submerged except for their eyes and nostrils. Near their eyes, sea turtles possess glands that produce salty tears that rid their body of excess salt taken in from the water they drink. Turtles are omnivorous. They eat plant and animal matters also.

Turtles are thought to have exceptional night vision due to the unusually large number of rod cells in their retinas. Turtles have color vision with a wealth of cone sub-types with sensitivities ranging from the near ultraviolet (UV A) to red. Some land turtles have very poor pursuit movement abilities, which are normally found only in predators that hunt quick-moving prey, but carnivorous turtles are able to move their heads quickly to snap.

Terrapin:

 Terrapin is a turtle which spends its time both on land and water, but it always lives in water, along rivers,lakes,ponds and canals.Terrapin are often found in brackish,swampy areas. The word Terrapin comes from Algonquian word.

                                                   Turtle Species 

 Turtles Species, there are hundreds of different types of turtles. There are just a few of the many out there on this blog,so take a look and check back as we add more.

                        


1) Alligator snapping Turtle (Macroclemys Temmincki):
    

• Geographical Region: They are found in an area from southeast Georgia, west to Texas, north to Iowa and Indiana.

• Size: Can reach more than 26 inches.

• Weight: Up to 300 pounds.

• Habitat: They like deep waters in rivers and lakes.

• Food: Carnivorous, they eat anything they can catch, even other turtles.

• Interesting Fact: They are the largest freshwater turtle in the world.

2) Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata Ornata):

    

• Geographical Region: United States and Mexico, Asian species of box turtles living in the Eastern region of the globe.

• Size: Can reach 5 to 7 inches.

• Life Span: up to 100 years

• Habitat: They like deep waters in rivers and lakes they can Hibernate also.

• Food: Omnivorous, these turtles eat snails, berries, slugs, fungi, worms, roots, flowers, fish, frogs, salamanders and egg indiscriminately.

• Interesting Fact:  When frighten, box turtles retract their head, tail, and limbs into their shell and clamp it shut.  

     

3) American Snapping Turtle (chelydra serpentina):

    

• Geographical Region: They are found from south Alberta to Nova Scotia and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

• Size: Up to 19 inches with males larger than females.

• Weight: Up to 45 pounds for wild adults; up to 75 pounds for captive adults.

• Habitat: They like warm shallow waters, buried in the mud with only their eyes and nostrils exposed.

• Food: Carnivorous, they eat anything they can catch, even other small turtles.

• Interesting Fact: They are characterized by their massive heads, strong jaws, keeled brown carapace, and long tails.

4) Diamond Back Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin):

    

• Geographical Region: Native of the eastern and southern regions of the US, New England, south state of Florida. 

• Size: 5 to 8 inches females larger than males.

• Weight: Terrapin weight depending on whether you have a male or a female.

• Habitat: They like warm shallow waters, buried in the mud.

• Food: Carnivorous, marine creatures,  clams and shrimp.

• Interesting Fact: The fact that they can survive in nearly any body of water, it is highly recommended that brackish water.

5) Eastern Spiny Soft Shell Turtle (Trionyx Spiniferus):

    

• Geographical Region: West Virginia, west of the mountains.

• Size: Females are larger than males. Females can reach up to 18 inches in length, as males are half that.

• Habitat: They hang out in most types of fresh water like rivers and lakes. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms.

• Food: Fish, small crabs, crayfish, careless birds, snails, and frogs.

• Interesting Fact: They have the ability to absorb oxygen from water through the vessels in the lining of their throat and other partsof their body. This enables them to stay under water for hours at a time.

6) Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys Concinna Concinna):

    

• Geographical Region: They are found from the coastal plains of southeastern Virginia to southeastern Alabama.

• Size: Up to 12 inches in length.

• Habitat: They hang out in the backwater near an open body of water.

• Food: Herbivorous, they only eat plants.

• Interesting Fact: They are very difficult to capture.

7) Painted Turtle (Chrysemis Picta):

    

• Geographical Region: They are found throughout most of the United States and southern Canada.

• Size: 4 to 10 inches, with females being larger than males.

• Habitat: They like slow moving shallow waters like ponds, marshes, and lakes.

• Food: Carnivorous when they are young, more herbivorous when they get older. They eat earthworms, crayfish, slugs and plants..

• Interesting Fact: They are the most wide spread turtle in North America.

8)Red eared Slider ( Trachymys Scripta Elegans):

    

• Geographical Region: They are found from Virginia to Florida, west to New Mexico and south to Brazil.

• Size: From 5 to 12 inches females larger than males.

• Habitat: They like calm waters like ponds, marshes, and lakes with soft bottoms and dense vegetation.

• Food: Carnivorous when they are young, more herbivorous when they get older. They eat earthworms, crayfish, chicken, fish, insects, and plants and veggies.

• Interesting Fact: They are one of the most common pet turtles.

9)Spotted Turtle (Clemmys Guttata):

    

• Geographical Region: They are found from Maine to Florida.

• Size: An average of 4 inches, less than 5 inches in length.

• Habitat: They prefer quiet marshy meadows and shallow ponds.

• Food: Omnivorous, they eat worms, slugs, snails, insects, melons, and butter lettuce.

• Interesting Fact: These turtles like to hide under plants, sticking just their head out.

10) Wood Turtle (Glyptemys Insculpta):

 

• Geographical Region: They are found in the eastern panhandle of Florida.

• Size: Up to 9 inches in length.

• Habitat: They live on land and in water; marshes and woodlands.

• Food: Omnivorous, they eat worms, slugs, snails, insects, and plants.

• Interesting Fact: These turtles are now an endangered species because they were once hunted for food.

11) African Side Necked Turle (Pelomedusidae):

    

• Geographical Region: They were originally discovered in Eastern and Southern Africa.

• Size: Up to 18 inches in length.

• Life Span: lifespan of 25+ years

• Habitat: African Side neck Turtles spend most of their time in the mud of shallow lakes and rivers

• Food: Omnivorous, they eat worms, slugs, snails, insects, and plants.

• Interesting Fact: Side neck Turtle simply turn their heads to the side and fold them under the upper edge of shell.

12) Yellow Bellied Slider (Tracheymys Scripta Scripta):

    

• Geographical Region: turtle is found in the Eastern United States, but, is also found in the UK

• Size: 8 to 13 inches in length.

• Life Span: lifespan of 100 years and up to

• Habitat: African Side neck Turtles spend most of their time in the mud of shallow lakes and rivers

• Food:  amphibian larvae, snails, insect larvae, fish fry and small crustaceans along with the land and water plants, crickets, meal worms, wax worms, blood worms, and daphnia.

• Interesting Fact:Female yellow bellied turtles are normally larger than the males thus making it a bit easier when identifying the gender of these animals.

13) Indian Peacock SoftShell Turtle (Nilssonia Hurum):     

    

• Geographical Region: India

• Size: 13 inches in length.

• Life Span: up to 30 years

• Habitat: Rivers, canals, ponds, stems, marshes.

• Food:  amphibian larvae, snails, insect larvae, fish fry and small crustaceans along with the land and water plants, crickets, meal worms, wax worms, blood worms, and daphnia.

• Interesting Fact: When frighten this turtles retract their head, tail, and limbs into their shell and clamp it shut.       

                                                          Tortoise Species

Below you will find a few of the many different types of Tortoise Species. We hope that you will find some of the information provided helpful.
                    



1) Bell'S Hinge Back Tortoise(Kinixys Belliana):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 2 lbs.
• Range: Central and southern Africa from southern Senegal to Mozambique and the eastern corner of South Africa. There is an introduced population in northern Madagascar.
• Habitat: Moist woodland to Savannah grasslands.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Advanced.

Overview 

The Bell’s hinge back tortoise has a huge native range and consists of up to 5 races. It is currently not commonly seen in captivity because of a recent ban on importation of these into the United States due to a parasite (tick) which was found to carry a disease (heart-water) which affects cattle. There are some being produced in captivity. There is also one form that has been elevated from subspecies to full species status and as a result is not covered by the ban. These are now called Speke’s hinge back but did fall under the umbrella of the Bell’s hinge back until recently. These are currently being imported into the United States.

The hinge back tortoise derives its name from the presence of a unique hinge across the back third of the carapace which allows the tortoise to close the back end from the top.

The Bell’s hinge back seems to be an opportunistic feeder preferring dark leafy greens, vegetables, fleshy fruit in addition to the occasional insect and carrion.

They have a preferred temperature range of 75 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot of at least 90 degrees. They do seem to be more active at night than during the daylight hours.

Providing a substrate of mulch with and area of hay for them to burrow into will give them the security they seem to enjoy.

A water dish should be provided at all times.

2) African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone Sulcata):

• Family: Testudinidae.

• Adult Size: More than 200 lbs.

• Range: Found within the Sahel region, which is a geographical band in Africa south of the Sahara desert stretching from Mauritania and northern Senegal eastward to northern Ethiopia.

• Habitat: Semi-desert, Grassland and Woody scrub land.

• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.

• Care Level: Advanced.

Overview

The African spurred tortoise is also called the spurred tortoise or sulcata. The sulcata used to be a rare tortoise but because of successful captive breeding it is now one of the most common tortoises in captivity. So much so that it is considered a problem because some keepers do not give the tortoise the thought that is required when obtaining one. They then find that they do not know what to do with a 50 pound plus monster and end up placing it up for adoption.

The sulcata can attain a very large size in a relatively short time so care for this tortoise must be thought out carefully with accommodations being the primary concern. Sulcatas enjoy a temperature range of 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This tortoise is best considered for warmer climates where it can be maintained in a large outdoor enclosure with the range extending into cooler climates with the use of supplemental heating.

Sulcatas are not only capable burrowers but frequently do dig burrows when given the opportunity which can be over 2 foot in diameter and over 15 feet in length. For this reason they should be provided with housing that they should be encouraged to use.

In their native range food and water is relatively sparse with reports of them feeding mainly on succulent plants and grasses. In captivity the Sulcata is an opportunistic feeder where it readily takes almost any vegetable matter but grasses and dark leafy greens are the most common staple.

Even though sulcata are considered desert type tortoises water, should be provided at all times.

3) Aldabra Tortoise (Geochelone Gigantea orDipsochelys elephantina):

• Family: Testudinidae.

• Adult Size: More than 500 lbs.

• Range: Aldabra Atoll with introduced populations on Reunion, Mauritius and Seychelles Islands among other granitic islands of the Indian Ocean.

• Habitat: Groups of Aldabra tortoises inhabit mostly grasslands and areas of low shrubs but individuals will occupy almost any accessible habitat available.

• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.

• Care Level: Advanced.

Overview

The Aldabra tortoise is becoming more commonly available in the pet trade the world over, but it is still considered one of the more specialized tortoises. The Aldabra tortoise, because of its potential large size, requires a good deal of space and special consideration. Moving a tortoise that is more than 200 lbs is bad enough, but moving one that is more than 400 lbs can be problematic especially if the animal does not want to move or cannot. The Aldabra tortoise is only protected as far as trade so no special permits are required to keep and maintain these in captivity.

Aldabra tortoises are adaptable and seem to be very cold tolerant, but they are still going to require supplemental heating to maintain a recommended temperature of 75 to 100 Fahrenheit. These tortoises, while being able to withstand low temperatures, do seem to prefer higher temperatures.

The diet for the Aldabra tortoise in the wild consists mostly of weeds and grasses with occasional brows mixed in. In captivity they will eat almost anything. The suggested diet is a variety of dark leafy greens and grasses in addition a good mix of vegetables. It’s recommended to restrict the feeding of cabbages because of the propensity to develop thyroid problems among the giant tortoises due to a lack of dietary iodine. Providing as varied a diet as possible will usually alleviate any dietary deficiencies.

Water should be provided at all times. Captive Aldabras consume great amounts of water if it is available.

4) Desert Tortoise (Gopherus Agassizii):

• Family: Testudinidae.

• Adult Size: 8 to 10 lbs.

• Range: Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of Southern California, southern Nevada and Arizona in the United States with some isolated populations in Mexico.

• Habitat: In the Mojave the desert tortoise inhabits areas occupied by creosote bushes, yucca trees and grass land associated with alluvial plains. In the Sonoran Desert the desert tortoise can be found on the slopes of rocky washes.

• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Year.

• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The desert tortoise seems to do best if it can be provided with suitable outdoor accommodations with similar conditions which are found in its native range although they do seem to be quit adaptable. They do not tolerate cold and damp conditions very well. If given free range of a well planted yard or enclosure they require minimal care. Desert tortoises main staple are weeds and broad leafy weeds. They will also feed on various grasses in addition to insects and, on occasion, carrion. The diet can also be supplemented with a variety of grocery greens and vegetables if attention is given to dark leafy greens. It is also important to mix the variety as much as you possible can. Water should be available at all times even though this is a desert animal.

The desert tortoise is protected throughout its range. Due to building, rehabilitation, rescues and backyard breeding individuals do become available quite frequently throughout its native range through various agencies. They are usually not allowed to be moved across state lines due to their protected status. They are also not allowed to be sold or traded.

In years past it was relatively common practice to pick up a desert tortoise when they were encountered in their native range because of their docile nature, but this practice seems to have slowed down considerably through education and communication. Even though this practice has stopped for the most part it is suspected that there are more desert tortoises in captivity than there are in the wild.

5) Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo Elongate):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 6 to 8 lbs.
• Range: Nepal, India, Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and southern China.
• Habitat: Cool humid mountain forest and grassland.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The elongated tortoise used to be imported in huge numbers in the past. Although it is still imported today the numbers are not as great. It has been bred in captivity but it is far from common.

It seems that many of the imported tortoises that come from forest type habitat are typically infested with parasites and have a very difficult time acclimating to captivity. This is usually the case with imported elongated tortoises as well. They are usually very difficult to acclimate which is why they are still not very common in collections despite the large numbers that were imported in the past.

As with most other tortoises an outdoor enclosure is usually the easiest way to maintain this tortoise. A densely planted enclosure with a good ground cover of leaf litter or mulch makes the elongated feel quite comfortable. This tortoise is small enough that a similar enclosure could be set up indoors. The key is to provide a humid environment but not overly moist.

The diet for this tortoise is very similar to other forest type dwelling tortoises in that it should be provided with dark leafy greens and vegetables supplemented with fleshy fruits such as pears, apples and various berries. It is also known to consume insects, slugs and carrion when found.

Water should be provided at all times. Providing a shallow pool is also an added benefit.Imported specimens should be examined by a vet and properly treated for any parasites found.

6) Galapagos Tortoise (Geochelone nigra):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: More than 500 lbs.
• Range: Galapagos Islands, Equator.
• Habitat: Larger species inhabit rocky hillsides in the higher elevations with more lush vegetation. The smaller species inhabit the lower elevation drier grasslands.
• Captive Lifespan: 250 years.
• Care Level: Advanced.

Overview

The Galapagos tortoise actually consists of several species or forms. Each species originates from one of the specific islands which make up the Galapagos archipelago. Because of its very limited range the Galapagos tortoise is listed as an endangered species. Because of this status a special permit issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the keeping of endangered species is required to keep and maintain these tortoises in captivity in the US. There is an exception to this law where a Galapagos tortoise can be obtained in the state in which it will be kept. In that case a permit is not required.

The Galapagos tortoise normally likes it warm so a temperature range of 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit should be provided. The Galapagos tortoise does not seem to be as cold tolerant as the Aldabra tortoise.

Galapagos tortoises are opportunistic feeders consuming a wide range of foods including grasses, broad leafy greens, vegetables, brows and carrion when available. Cabbages should be fed on a very limited basis because of know issues with thyroid problems which are suspected due to iodine deficiencies caused by feeding too much of the cabbages.

Water should be provided at all times. Galapagos tortoises also seem to like to wallow in a good mud hole so one should be provided if the space allows it.

These tortoises can live well over 100 years.

7) Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus):

• Family: Testudinidae.

• Adult Size: NULL 10 to 12 inches. Largest recorded is 16 ¼ inches carapace length.

• Habitat: Southeastern United States along the Coastal plain as far north as southern S. Carolina, Georgia, all of Florida, southern Alabama, Mississippi and very southeastern Louisiana.

• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years

• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The gopher tortoise is only one of three species of tortoises that are true burrowers with the Bolson’s tortoise and the African spurred tortoise being the others. Gopher tortoise burrows have one opening and go down to the ground water table where the tortoise lives in the cool high humidity. The gopher tortoise burrow can be more than 50 feet long, but most are 15 to 18 feet long. The width of the gopher tortoise burrow is just a bit wider than the length of the tortoise that dug it (so it can turn around). To keep a gopher tortoise in captivity one should provide an artificial burrow where the tortoise can maintain temperatures in the 70’s and relative humidity in the 80 percent range. The gopher tortoise burrow only needs to be a full arm’s length if built right. However people have raised gopher tortoises in their houses without burrows.

Gopher tortoises lay eggs usually only once a year and have five to eight eggs in a nest. Gopher tortoise eggs hatch between 60 to 90 days at 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Young gopher tortoises grow fast when fed a good diet. Gopher tortoises become sub-adult in about six years and adult at 8 years for males and 17 to 20 years for females.

Gopher tortoises are known to eat more than 1,000 species of plants through their range and more than 200 species in any one habitat. About 80 percent of their diet (after the hatchling size) is made up of grasses. Most yard grasses like bahia, centipede, St. Augustine, and blue grass are a good source of food for the gopher tortoise and many other tortoises. Grasses should be supplemented with just about every green leafy vegetable that is available. Gopher tortoises also like beans, corn and most fruits. Gopher tortoises love dandelions, narrow and broad leaf plantains, and many other weeds of the yard and garden. Fruits should only be given to gopher tortoises on rare occasions. Proper, diverse forage is one of the most important ways to stave off diseases, that and keeping other stresses down to a minimum. Like all other tortoises, gopher tortoises should be kept in outdoor pens with good lawns to forage from throughout the warmer months. Tortoises bask frequently and get their shell temperatures up to more than 90 degrees. Then they go out to feed, socialize and dig burrows. Gopher tortoises need to drink about every 8 days if they have a burrow and more frequently if they don’t. In the wild, gopher tortoises drink from rain pools or by sucking water from the edge of their burrow during heavy down pores.

The gopher tortoise is protected throughout its range either by state or federal law. In Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana; it is a federally threatened species. Getting a permit to keep a gopher tortoise as a pet is very difficult. However, in the state of Florida, one can get a permit to keep individuals through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

8) Greek Tortoise (Testudo Graeca):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 2 to 5 lbs.
• Range: North Africa, Southern Spain, Sardinia, Turkey and the Middle East.
• Habitat: Coastal dunes, grassland, semi-desert and sparsely vegetated scrub land.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The Greek tortoise actually consists of several forms that occur throughout its wide range. Those that occur north of the Mediterranean Sea are more cold tolerant and usually hibernate when the weather dictates. Those varieties that occur in the Middle East and south of the Mediterranean are less cold tolerant and do not usually hibernate.

The southern forms of the Greek tortoise should be kept at a temperature of no less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot of at least 100 degrees. The northern forms will tolerate cooler temperatures but will tend to be inclined to hibernate if temperatures drop too low for too long. The recommended temperature range for the northern forms is 75 to 90 degrees.

The dietary requirements are pretty much the same for all form of Greek tortoises regardless of the region they come from in that they will eat dark leafy greens, fibrous fruits such as apples and pears. They will also take berries such as strawberries, blueberries and the like. The fruits and berries should be a small portion of their diet with the dark leafy greens making up the majority of their diet. Although the Greek tortoises are not known grazers they will consume grasses. Water should be provided at all times.

9) Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo Hermanni):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: Up to 11 inches in length.
• Range: Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Greece, the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and other Mediterranean and Ionian islands east through southern Bulgaria and western Turkey.
• Habitat: Generally grasslands and meadows.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Beginner.

Overview

Hermann's tortoises are generally regarded as the hardiest of the genus when kept in typical indoor captive conditions.

Indoor tortoises require strong enclosures--the sides should be taller than the combined heights of the occupants, the floor area should be 10 times the size of the occupants. It is best to make an indoor tortoise enclosure long and relatively narrow. A temperature gradient should be provided by heating one end of the enclosure (between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit) using a full-spectrum incandescent basking light. A hot rock or heat tape may also be used so long as a cool area is always provided.

Tortoises are almost half bone and shell, so they have a great need for calcium. In order to absorb all the calcium they require, calcium levels in their diet must exceed phosphorus levels. Foods that are high in calcium, but low in phosphorus, include dandelion greens, collard greens, parsley, kelp, watercress, celery and orange rind. An almost exclusive vegetarian diet is best; pesticide-free grass can provide roughage.

10) Leopard Tortoise (Geocheloni Pardalis):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 20 to 80 lbs.
• Range: South Africa, East Africa (east of the Rift Valley) up to Sudan and Ethiopia.
• Habitat: Grassland, Mountain, Scrub land and semi-desert.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

There is currently one species of leopard tortoise recognized, but there are at least two distinct forms. There is a southern form and a northern form. The easiest way to distinguish the two forms is in the spotting seen on hatchlings. The southern form is going to have multiple spots on each scute and in the northern form there is going to be one or less spots on each scute.

Most, if not all, of the leopard tortoises encountered today are captive bred due to heavy restrictions on exportation from the country of origin. In the United States it is no longer allowed to be imported due to a parasite (tick) the tortoise can carry which is known to carry a disease (heart water) which is harmful to cattle. A health certificate is required to transport even captive born leopard tortoises from state to state in the United States.

Leopard tortoises are very prone to respiratory problems if temperatures are not properly maintained. The most acceptable temperature range is 75 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These tortoises do not tolerate cold temperatures at all although the southern form is more cold tolerant than the northern form.

The Leopard tortoise is a known grazer so grasses should be its main staple, but its diet can be supplemented with dark leafy greens and some fibrous fruits such as apples, pears and the like. Fresh water should be provided at all times.

11) Marginated Tortoise (Testudo Marginata):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 8 to 12 lbs.
• Range: Greece, Southern Balkan Peninsula.
• Habitat: Hills and mountain areas.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The marginated tortoise is a unique looking tortoise because of its extremely flared marginal scutes from which it gets its name. The males’ marginal scutes are usually much more flared than on the female.

Wild caught specimens of this tortoise used to be a commonly imported tortoise but is now not imported at all as wild caught tortoises because it is protected throughout its range. Because of successful breeding in captivity it is now becoming more commonly available as captive born tortoises.

Marginated tortoises are very cold tolerant and should be maintained at a temperature range of 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the basking site. If temperatures fall below this they will be inclined to hibernate which they do in the wild when the seasons dictate it.

These tortoises are opportunistic feeders in that they will take the usual dark leafy greens, weeds and some grasses. They are not known to be very active grazers. Marginateds are also known to consume insects, snails and carrion. In captivity they can be fed dark leafy greens, fibrous fruits such as pears and apples in addition to various berries. The main idea is to feed as varied as possible. Clean fresh water in a water dish should be provided at all times.

One important note on breeding is that the marginated tortoise is one of the most aggressive tortoises when it comes to breeding. Aggressive ramming towards the female can be so severe that female marginateds have been killed in the process.

12) Radiated Tortoise (Geochelony radiata):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 15 to 40 lbs.
• Range: Southwestern Madagascar.
• Habitat: Coastal scrub land.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

The radiated tortoise has always been a heavily sought after tortoise because of its large size and stunning radiated pattern. It is sometimes classed as the largest of the star type tortoises. It is not overly common in the pet trade because it is listed as both an Endangered Species and as an Appendix I animal for international trade. Both of these listings make it very difficult to legally obtain a Radiated tortoise. The tortoise is rightfully protected by this listing because of its limited range and its high desirability in the pet trade although it is reported to be fairly common in the range in which it occurs.

Radiateds are becoming more common in collections due to very successful breeding in captivity regardless of the heavy restrictions in permitting in the United States. In Europe and Asia it is even more common although the legality of many of these animals is often questioned.

Radiated tortoises are not only attractive, but in captivity they have a unique personality in that they are very passive in addition to being outgoing frequently looking for the attention of the keeper.

These tortoises adapt well to captivity when kept within a temperature range of 75 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking spot at the warm end of the range. Radiateds are not very cold tolerant. They are opportunistic feeders consuming mostly dark leafy greens, fibrous fruits such as apples and pears in addition to various berries. They are also known to consume carrion. A water dish with clean fresh water should be provided at all times.

13) Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 1½ lbs.
• Range: Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania.
• Habitat: Rocky areas and isolated rock outcrops (kopjes).
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview

This tortoise is not commonly available as wild caught imports because of its restricted range and the fact that it is protected in most of its natural range. Wild caught pancake tortoises have be notoriously difficult to acclimate to captivity. Despite this it is now more commonly being bred in captivity as time goes on although it is not excessively common because of the fact they only lay only one egg at a time and even then usually only once a year.

The pancake tortoise is an odd and unique tortoise in that its carapace is flat and relatively soft. This allows it to squeeze into the rock crevices it inhabits. In captivity it is beneficial to provide flat rocks built up to allow the tortoise to fit between them. It has been found that this is almost a necessity for their survival.

The pancake tortoise prefers lower temperatures in the range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not known to be active baskers preferring to avoid the sun by hiding in the rocks.

They will feed on dark leafy greens, fibrous fruits such as apples and pears in addition to berries. The pancake tortoise will also feed on insects and carrion. A dish of clean fresh water should be provided at all times.

14)Russian Tortoise (Testudo (Agrionemys) horsdieldii):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: 1 to 2 lbs.
• Range: Iran, east to China, north to Russia, south to the Gulf of Oman and Pakistan.
• Habitat: Steppes (desert grassland) and rocky desert.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Beginner.

Overview

The Russian tortoise is one of the most common tortoises in the pet trade today because it is currently heavily imported. Captive bred Russian tortoises are becoming more common as some of these imported groups become established. When the political situation with Russian was not as it is today the Russian tortoise was not often imported and as a result was not as common as it is today. Caution should be exercised when acquiring an imported Russian tortoise because they are usually stressed and heavily parasitized. A veterinarian visit is a must when a wild caught Russian tortoise is obtained.

Russian tortoises make great pets because they are relatively small and very active in captivity. They are very cold tolerant but do not do well in cold and damp environments. They will develop respiratory problems rather quickly if kept under cool and damp conditions for any extended length of time although they do handle cool dry conditions very well at which time they will be inclined to hibernate.

These tortoises are opportunistic feeders taking dark leafy greens and fibrous vegetables. Fruits such as pears and apples in addition to berries can be fed to add variety but should be fed sparingly. Russian tortoises will also take insects and carrion.

A water dish with clean fresh water should be provided at all times although they do not use it very often seeming to get their hydration from their food.

15) Sulcata Tortoise (Geochelony Sulcata):

• Family: Testudinidae.
• Adult Size: More than 200 lbs.
• Range: Found within the Sahel region, which is a geographical band in Africa south of the Sahara desert stretching from Mauritania and northern Senegal eastward to northern Ethiopia.
• Habitat: Semi-desert, Grassland and Woody scrub land.
• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.
• Care Level: Advanced.

Overview

The African spurred tortoise is also called the spurred tortoise or sulcata. The sulcata used to be a rare tortoise but because of successful captive breeding it is now one of the most common tortoises in captivity. So much so that it is considered a problem because some keepers do not give the tortoise the thought that is required when obtaining one. They then find that they do not know what to do with a 50 pound plus monster and end up placing it up for adoption.

The sulcata can attain a very large size in a relatively short time so care for this tortoise must be thought out carefully with accommodations being the primary concern. Sulcatas enjoy a temperature range of 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This tortoise is best considered for warmer climates where it can be maintained in a large outdoor enclosure with the range extending into cooler climates with the use of supplemental heating.

Sulcatas are not only capable burrowers but frequently do dig burrows when given the opportunity which can be over 2 foot in diameter and over 15 feet in length. For this reason they should be provided with housing that they should be encouraged to use.

In their native range food and water is relatively sparse with reports of them feeding mainly on succulent plants and grasses. In captivity the Sulcata is an opportunistic feeder where it readily takes almost any vegetable matter but grasses and dark leafy greens are the most common staple.

Even though sulcata are considered desert type tortoises water, should be provided at all times.

16) Yellow-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone Denticulata):

• Family: Testudinidae.

• Adult Size: 15 to more than 100 lbs.

• Range: Northern South America north of the Amazon River.

• Habitat: Humid dense tropical rain forest.

• Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years.

• Care Level: Intermediate.

Overview
The yellow-footed tortoise is not overly common in the pet trade although it is not rare. Both wild caught imports and captive born hatchlings are available from time to time. As noted in the adult size, the yellow-footed tortoise does vary in size a great deal with those coming from the Amazon River basin reported as being the largest reaching sizes up to 36 inches in length and more than 100 lbs. Although they can reach these sizes, they are more commonly in the 15 to 20 pound range as adults.

The yellow-footed tortoise comes from humid areas where it mostly remains under the cover of leaf litter under rain forest canopy. It is an opportunistic feeder where it prefers a good variety of fruits in addition to insects and carrion. This should also make up their captive diet.

The recommended temperature range in captivity is 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Basking areas are usually not utilized although one should be provided. The substrate on which this tortoise is kept in captivity is important in order to make the tortoise feel secure and less stressed. It is recommended to use a moist mulch and leaf litter that the tortoise will burrow into.

A water dish with clean fresh water should be available at all times. Yellow-footed tortoises also benefit from the availability of a pool which they will readily soak in if one is provided.