There are many different types of tortoises so it can be difficult to determine which type you have. The best way to determine the type of tortoise you have is to consult a veterinary reptile specialist or a tortoise expert. However there are some general characteristics that can help you narrow down the possibilities.
First consider the shape of the shell. Tortoises can be classified as either “soft-shell” or “hard-shell” based on the shape of their shells. Soft-shell tortoises have rounder more flexible shells while hard-shell tortoises have flatter harder shells.
Next look at the size of the tortoise. Tortoises come in a wide range of sizes from the tiny speckled padloper tortoise (which is about the size of a penny) to the giant Galapagos tortoise (which can weigh up to 1000 pounds).
Finally consider the tortoise’s habitat. Tortoises can be found in a variety of habitats from dry deserts to humid rainforests. Some tortoises even live in the water.
With these general characteristics in mind let’s take a look at some of the most common types of tortoises:
African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata):
The African spurred tortoise is a large hard-shell tortoise that is native to the Saharan desert. African spurred tortoises can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds.
Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca):
The Greek tortoise is a small to medium-sized hard-shell tortoise that is native to the Mediterranean region. Greek tortoises can grow up to 16 inches long and weigh up to 10 pounds.
Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius):
The red-footed tortoise is a medium-sized hard-shell tortoise that is native to South America. Red-footed tortoises can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds.
Leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis):
The leopard tortoise is a large hard-shell tortoise that is native to Africa. Leopard tortoises can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds.
Sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata):
The sulcata tortoise is a large hard-shell tortoise that is native to the Sahara desert. Sulcata tortoises can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds.
How can you tell what type of tortoise you have?
There are many ways to tell what type of tortoise you have.
You can look at the tortoise’s shell size and colors.
You can also look at where the tortoise lives.
How can the shell help you tell what type of tortoise you have?
The shell can help you tell what type of tortoise you have because different tortoises have different shell shapes.
How can the size help you tell what type of tortoise you have?
The size can help you tell what type of tortoise you have because different tortoises have different sizes.
How can the colors help you tell what type of tortoise you have?
The colors can help you tell what type of tortoise you have because different tortoises have different colors.
Where do different types of tortoises live?
Different types of tortoises live in different places.
Some tortoises live in hot climates while others live in cold climates.
What type of tortoise do I have if it has a round shell?
If the tortoise has a round shell it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it has a hard shell?
If the tortoise has a hard shell it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it has a soft shell?
If the tortoise has a soft shell it may be a species of aquatic tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it is small?
If the tortoise is small it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it is big?
If the tortoise is big it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it is brightly colored?
If the tortoise is brightly colored it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it is drab-colored?
If the tortoise is drab-colored it may be a species of aquatic tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it lives in hot climates?
If the tortoise lives in hot climates it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it lives in cold climates?
If the tortoise lives in cold climates it may be a species of aquatic tortoise.
What type of tortoise do I have if it lives in both hot and cold climates?
If the tortoise lives in both hot and cold climates it may be a species of terrestrial tortoise.
