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
The Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) is native to regions of East Africa with a terrain that is naturally rocky and arid. Their unusually flat, flexible shell and remarkable climbing prowess, allows them to navigate this difficult landscape and manoeuvre themselves
The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a member of the Testudinidae family and is one of the smaller tortoise species, measuring around 7-12 inches in length, with adult females being larger than males. Native to the dry areas of
Burmese star tortoises (Geochelone platynotan) are beautiful chelonians that are beloved by many tortoise enthusiasts. Clad in a stunningly patterned shell, these tortoises are often hardy and have endearing personalities that make them a joy to maintain. Unfortunately, having fallen
Also known as yellow tortoises, elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) are not only interesting to look at, they also make great pets for dedicated keepers. While very rare in the wild (they’re listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Redlist of
The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is one of the largest tortoise species commonly kept as pets. Its popularity mostly comes from its ornately spotted shell—the inspiration for its feline moniker—and relaxed temperament. Leopard tortoise care can be trickier than species
The Red-footed tortoise is known for their relatively sociable nature and striking coloration, making them a popular choice among tortoise keepers. Their scientific name ‘Chelonoidis ‘carbonarius’’ is a reference to their black skin and red patches that resemble glowing coals.
The Sulcata (Geochelone sulcata ) is the third largest tortoise and a giant among the species. Their thick sandy-colored skin and light brown shell mean they are perfectly camouflaged for the desert conditions in which they reside. Their broad, oval
