The Ibera Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca ibera) is a popular subspecies of the common Greek tortoise. It’s believed that the vast majority of pet Greek tortoises available today belong to this group. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the […]
The golden Greek tortoise is a unique variety of Testudo graeca, most easily recognized by its yellow skin and shell. These tortoises have been popular in the pet trade since the early 2000s, and are one of the most common
One of the smallest in the world, the speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus) often catches the eye of tortoise enthusiasts with space limitations. However, there is a lot more to this species than just its small size, and prospective keepers
Most tortoises are important members of the habitats they call home, but some have an impact that is disproportionate with their population. In other words, they have a larger influence on the habitat than you’d expect, given the number of
When most reptile enthusiasts think about tortoises, they envision exotic species that inhabit tropical rainforests or deserts in faraway places. But there are actually several tortoise species that call the USA home, including a particularly endearing species, known as the
Known more commonly as Agassiz’s Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizi), the Mojave desert tortoise or simply the desert tortoise, is a fascinating species that calls the American Southwest its home. Supremely adapted for life in the harsh deserts it is native
Despite the fact that there are roughly 49 tortoise species in the world, the majority of keepers are drawn to a relative handful of species, including sulcatas (Centrochelys sulcata), red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius), and Russian tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii). There’s certainly
No matter what kinds of pets you care for, hygiene is an important consideration. After all, animals can carry germs that may sicken people. This includes not only doing basic things like washing your hands after interacting with your pets,
Ideally, you’ll want to maintain most tortoises outdoors whenever possible. Outdoor accommodations usually allow you to provide more space to your pet, and they give your tortoise plenty of exposure to natural, unfiltered sunlight, which provides important health benefits and
In popular culture, the tortoise is often portrayed as a gentle giant. Species from the Galápagos Islands and other far corners of the world certainly live up to this reputation. But there are also several species of tortoise that never
