Pancake tortoises (Malachochersus tornieri) are a small species of tortoise native to Tanzania and Kenya. They prefer arid savanna and scrub habitats with plenty of rock cover. Pancake tortoises are typically 5-6” long, although they can be as large as...
Marginated tortoises (Testudo marginata) are medium-large tortoises native to Greece, Italy, and certain nearby islands. They prefer arid habitats such as evergreen scrub and rocky hillsides. Something that makes this species unique is that they can be found at elevations...
Leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis) are a large tortoise species native to southeastern Africa. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from semi-desert and scrub to grassland and forest. Leopard tortoises can be as small as 12” long or...
Indian tortoises (Geochelone elegans) are a diurnal, terrestrial reptile native to India, southeastern Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their habitat is generally semi-arid grasslands, but also includes forest and semi-desert. Indian star tortoises are generally 6-12” long, with females being significantly...
Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) are medium-sized tortoises native to the Mediterranean coast of southern Europe. They prefer arid to submesic habitats such as scrub, rocky hillsides, and open countryside. Hermann’s tortoises can be as small as 4” or as large...
Greek tortoises (Testudo graeca) are a group of small to medium-sized tortoises native to the Mediterranean coast and southwest Asia. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including grassland, scrub, and forest. Greek tortoises can be as small...
Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni) are a small species of tortoise native to coastal Libya, Egypt, and Israel. They prefer desert and semi-desert habitats with sandy substrate, sparse vegetation, and scattered rocks. Egyptian tortoises are typically 4-5” long, although slightly smaller...
Table of Contents Introduction Enclosure Lighting Heating Humidity Substrate Décor Food Handling Health Resources Introduction Russian tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii) are a small tortoise species native to central Asia. Despite their name, they are actually not very common in Russia...
Sulcata tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) are a large tortoise species native to the hot, arid parts of Africa just south of the Sahara. They can be found in semiarid grasslands, savannas, and thorn shrublands. Sulcata tortoises are generally tan to light...
Red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonarius) are a medium-sized tortoise species native to South America. They generally prefer heavily forested, humid habitats, but they are also known to inhabit savanna areas. Red-footed tortoises’ appearance varies based on locality, but they generally have...
