Facts on Tortoises

Certain species of tortoise are some of the largest land-dwelling reptiles in the world and can live 50 years longer than the average human. There are many species of tortoise, and each species is different in its habitat, appearance and diet. These creatures are beautiful animals that can be fascinating to study. Learn more about tortoises to see for yourself.

  1. Types of Tortoise

    • Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles that belong to the family of turtles. The largest tortoise is the Galapagos tortoise, which can grow to weigh more than 500 pounds and live for more than 100 years. One of the smallest species of tortoise is the Egyptian dwarf tortoise, which grows to only 4 inches long. Tortoises can be aquatic, land-dwelling or semi-aquatic. Some well-known species of land tortoise include the desert tortoise, bolson tortoise and gopher tortoise. The snapping tortoise, mud tortoise and soft-shell tortoise are aquatic species, while the Russian and red-footed tortoises are semi-aquatic.

    Appearance

    • Like all turtles, tortoises have an outer shell called a carapace that protects their bodies. Tortoises are capable of drawing their head and legs into their shell to defend themselves against predators. These creatures have both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton and they can range in size from a few inches to up to two meters in length. The body of a tortoise is typically covered in thick, coarse skin, and some species have large scales or spikes on their legs.

    Diet and Habitat

    • Most land-dwelling tortoises are herbivorous, which means that they subsist mainly on a diet of grasses, fruits and flowers. Though some species of tortoise are omnivorous and consume worms and insects, for the herbivorous species of tortoise, too much protein can lead to shell deformities and other problems. Tortoises can be found all over the world on land and in the sea. Some species have particularly adapted to a dry, desert climate while others have adapted to life in the sea.

    Tortoises as Pets

    • Not all species of tortoise make good pets. Some species grow too large to be kept comfortably in captivity and others have specific needs that cannot be replicated outside the wild. Some of the most common types of tortoise kept as pets are red-eared sliders, box tortoises and Hermann's tortoises. Keeping a tortoise as a pet requires a great deal of space, both indoors and outdoors, as well as a long-term commitment, since many tortoises live more than 50 years. In captivity, the dietary needs of a tortoise may vary, so consult a professional and do some research before choosing a tortoise as a pet.