Tortoise Identification & Care

Tortoises are almost exclusively land dwelling reptiles. These creatures are primarily identified by their size and markings. The care required for all types of tortoises is similar since they thrive in arid land environments. In learning to differentiate and care for tortoises, it is important to first understand size variation and then explore specific types of tortoises.

  1. Large Tortoises

    • Different species of tortoise are distinguished by size. Large tortoises include the Saddle Backed Mauritius Giant Tortoise and the Hood Island Tortoise. These tortoises live an average of 100 years. Their shells can achieve a height of four feet and their bodies can weigh up to 300 pounds. These tortoises are most likely to reach their maximum size when housed in outdoor pens in warm, dry climates.

    Small Tortoises

    • Small tortoises include the Bog Tortoise which measures an average of 2 inches in length and the Box Tortoise, measuring between 6 and 8 inches. These small tortoises should be kept indoors in a terrarium with a sand floor since their small size makes them vulnerable to outdoor predators.

    Desert Tortoise

    • The desert tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise that grows to be around a foot long and can weigh up to 15 pounds. Like most tortoises, the Desert Tortoise thrives in territories that have access to water but it lives entirely on land. The bottom of the living space of all tortoises should be lined with dirt or sand to allow burrowing. These animals also require access to a clean water dish that they cannot overturn. Tortoises are herbivores and consume leafy vegetables that should be dusted with reptile vitamin powder.

    Leopard Tortoise

    • The Leopard Tortoise can grow to 28 inches long and can weigh up to 120 pounds. It is the fourth largest species of tortoise in existence. The scutes that constitute the sections of the shell are often shaped like pyramids and are cream colored with black spots or stripes. Like all large tortoises, it is best to house a leopard tortoise in an outdoor pen that contains a hide box large enough to conceal the animal. These creatures graze on grass and other vegetation. Grass should be grown in the pen and supplemented with green leafy vegetables dusted with reptile vitamin powder.

    Tunisian Tortoise

    • The Tunisian tortoise is a small tortoise that rarely grows to be significantly larger than the human hand. It can be identified by its yellow shell which features black dots on each scute. The Tunisian Tortoise cannot be housed with other reptile species as it is susceptible to disease. Small tortoises such as the Tunisian should be kept in indoor terrariums featuring heat lamps during cold weather. Like the other tortoises, the Tunisian tortoise consumes leafy greens that should be enriched with vitamin powder.