What kind of animal is a tortoise? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Tortoises are very docile and get used to people easily, so they are one of the animals that are in high demand as pets, and they can also be said to be suitable for beginners. If you are considering keeping one, it is a good idea to actually try it out.
What is a Tortoise? Basic Stats
Tortoises are a family of reptiles in the order Testudinidae. Their scientific name is Testudinidae, and their English name is Tortoise. Most turtles are about 20-30cm long, 20cm long, and weigh around 2-3kg. The information is listed below.
| Japanese（和名） | リクガメ |
| English（英名） | Tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Testudinidae |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、Testudines、 Testudinidae 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 20cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-3kg |
About classification
There are many species of land tortoises, including red-footed tortoises, Russian tortoises, Indian star tortoises, leopard tortoises, Horsfield’s tortoises, Hermann’s tortoises, red-footed tortoises, African spurred tortoises, Hermann’s tortoises, Greek tortoises, and giant tortoises. There are too many to introduce, so we will not go into detail here.
About habitat
Land tortoises are distributed on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
- Geographic Distribution
Tortoises are widely distributed throughout the world, but their habitats vary depending on the species.
Africa
Gigantea species (such as the Aldabra giant tortoise) and African tortoises (Tortoises)
Live in savannas, grasslands, and arid regions.
South America
Some tortoise species (excluding Galapagos tortoises)
Adapted to grasslands and dry forests
Madagascar and Indian Ocean islands
Endemic to Aldabra Atoll and Madagascar, etc.
Each island has its own unique subspecies.
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
Endemic to the Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)
- Habitat Types
While many tortoise species prefer warm, dry environments, some species have adapted to humid areas.
Dry Lands/Savannah
Feeds on vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, and cacti
Hides and rests in rocks or underground holes
Shrub Forest/Grassland
Feeds mainly on grasses and leaves
Regulates body temperature in shady or damp places
Island Environment
Adapted to each island’s ecology and diet
Shell shape and behavior vary depending on altitude
Near Water Sources
Often lives near springs or puddles to hydrate and regulate body temperature
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers warm climates (does not tolerate cold climates)
Live mainly in areas with water sources and food
Moves alone or in small groups
Moves at a leisurely pace in environments with few predators
What are their characteristics? What kind of creatures are they?
There are said to be about 60 species of land turtles around the world, and they refer to a family of turtles including giant tortoises. The largest living species is the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the smallest is the flat-headed tortoise. They vary in size and color, and each has completely different characteristics. Some species have protrusions on their beaks and slightly short necks. Their limbs are thick and short, and their toes are degenerate and short. Land turtles are thought to have appeared in North America and Europe.
- Body Size and Shape
Body Length:
Small Species: 10-30 cm (e.g., Eastern Tortoise)
Medium Species: 30-60 cm
Large Species: Over 1 m (e.g., Galapagos Tortoise, Aldabra Tortoise)
Weight:
Small Species: 1-3 kg
Large Species: 100-300 kg
Carapace (Carapace):
Rounded, dome-shaped, and slightly flattened
Some species have a higher front, allowing them to stretch their necks and eat tall leaves
Head and Neck:
Some species have long, stretchable necks, expanding their foraging range
Their mouths are notched and “beak-like,” making them ideal for cutting grass and leaves
- Behavior/Personality
Slow and laid-back
Little aggressive, timid and cautious
Low sociality, generally solitary or in small groups
Long-lived, with some wild species living for over 50-100 years
- Diet
Basically strictly herbivorous
Food:
Grass, shrubs, leaves, fruit, cacti, etc.
May stretch their necks to gather leaves and branches
Eats slowly over time, and digests food slowly
- Ecological Impressions
A very laid-back, large-bodied terrestrial reptile
Long-lived and gentle, with few natural enemies in environments with few predators
Adapted to islands and arid lands, they move slowly depending on food and water sources
What is their personality like?
Land turtles are timid but very docile, and they tend to get used to people easily. They are intelligent and have a high learning ability. Perhaps because of this, they are often kept by humans. Even in the wild, they are lively and tame, regardless of gender, so they are cute. Basically, individuals are relatively easy to keep, so they are recommended for beginners.
- Gentle and docile
Generally laid-back and rarely aggressive
They are timid and tend to flee from other animals and humans
Even large species have a gentle personality and tend to be solitary
- They are timid and cautious
When sensing danger, they retract their neck and limbs into their shell to protect themselves
Sensitive to predators and changes in the environment, and do not move around more than necessary
- Low sociality
Generally, they live alone or in small groups
They may come into contact with other individuals at water or feeding areas, but do not form groups
- High endurance and stability-oriented
They can stay still for long periods of time, even if they do not travel long distances
Long-lived and gentle, they adapt to their environment without strain
- Intelligence and learning ability
They lack complex social behavior, but have a strong ability to remember the locations of food and water
They can adapt their behavior patterns to changes in the seasons and environment
What is their ecology like?
Tortoises are herbivorous and will eat insects, land shellfish, and the carcasses of animals such as frogs and lizards. They reproduce oviparously, often laying large numbers of eggs. Hatching usually takes about 100 days. Their lifespan depends on the species, but they can live for around 30 to 40 years, making them a long-lived animal.
- Lifestyle
Diurnal (active during the day)
They move slowly, but can travel hundreds of meters to several kilometers a day in search of food and water.
They rest for long periods in the shade, under rocks, or under shrubs.
- Diet
They are primarily herbivorous (some species will eat fruit).
Diet:
Grass, leaves, shrub branches, fruit, cactus
Feeding Method:
Stretch their necks to reach tall leaves.
Chew slowly, taking time to digest.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Breeding season varies depending on species and climate.
They are oviparous, with females digging holes and laying eggs in them.
Number of Eggs:
Small Species: Several
Large Species (Giant Tortoises): 10-20
Independence of Young:
They can survive on their own immediately after hatching.
They hide in their shells to protect themselves from predators.
- Behavior and Sociality
They generally live alone or in small groups.
Interactions with other individuals can be seen at water sources or feeding areas.
Movement and feeding patterns vary flexibly depending on the season and the distribution of water sources.
- Habitat Relationship
They are primarily adapted to warm, dry regions, such as shrubs and grasslands.
They live mainly in areas with water sources and food sources.
In environments with few predators, they are more relaxed.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Eagles and hawks are natural enemies of tortoises.
About Baby Tortoises
This section provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and ecology of baby tortoises.
- Birth and Hatching
Egg-laying (oviparous)
Females dig holes in the ground and lay eggs in them.
The number of eggs varies depending on the species, with small species laying a few and large species (giant tortoises) laying around 10-20.
Incubation Period:
Several months (varies depending on species and temperature)
Size and Weight at Hatchling:
Body Length: Approximately 5-10 cm
Weight: Approximately 0.1-0.5 kg
Appearance:
The shell is still soft, the head is round, and the eyes are large.
Compared to adults, the color is lighter and the appearance is softer.
- Growth Stages
Immediately after hatching
Leaves the burrow and begins to move on its own
Hides in its shell or hides in the shade of shrubs to protect itself from predators
Begins to eat small amounts of grass and leaves
Juvenile Stage (several months to 1 year)
Their shell gradually hardens
Their appetite increases, and they eat more
Ability to move to water sources and safe places
Juvenile Stage (1 to 5 years)
Their body size increases, and their range of movement expands
Survival rates increase in environments with fewer predators
- Juvenile Behavior and Personality
Tiny and cautious: They hide in their shell when they sense danger
Curious but cautious: They feed little by little while observing their surroundings
Highly independent: They are independent from their mother and survive on their own immediately after hatching
Low sociality: They are generally solitary
- Habitat Relationship
Young animals tend to seek out safe hiding places such as the shade of shrubs, grass, or rocks.
They hydrate themselves, but prefer small puddles and moist areas.
In environments with few predators, they have a high survival rate and grow more slowly.
Are land turtles an endangered species?
Some land turtles have become extinct, and many species are in a critical situation due to habitat destruction. For this reason, care must be taken as some areas do not permit keeping them.
- IUCN Assessment
There are many species of tortoises around the world, many of which are listed as endangered species (EN, VU, CR).
Examples:
Galapagos giant tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra): EN-CR (Endangered)
Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea): VU (Vulnerable)
African tortoises (e.g., African spurred tortoise): Many species are classified as VU-EN
- Causes of decline
Predation of young and eggs by invasive species
Rats, goats, and pigs eat young before and after hatching
Habitat destruction
Agricultural development, urbanization, and tourism development
Overfishing
History of capture for food and pets
Climate change
Drought and lack of water sources affect populations
- Conservation efforts
Habitat protection in national parks and protected areas
Conservation programs that artificially incubate young and eggs
Population restoration through eradication, translocation, and reintroduction of invasive species
Can land turtles be kept?
It is possible to keep land turtles. The following items are needed to keep a land turtle. There are many small turtles registered and sold as new arrivals, and many looking for foster parents, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cages. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation methods. There are many products available in the shop, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required in the shop. We recommend using a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are various types such as red clay, coconut shell, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at low prices during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure the tortoise is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermometer and hygrometer
When raising an amphibian tortoise, it is very important to manage the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Tortoises are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. Therefore, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Tortoises are living creatures, so it’s a good idea to have a shelter indoors to give them a place to escape. Make sure to set it up properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet food
Tortoises are herbivorous, and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, along with komatsuna and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people give supplements as a reference. It’s a good idea to start by providing commercially available foods. They contain all the nutrients necessary for living creatures.
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