Tortoises (Testudinidae family of Turtles)
|
Also known as Land Tortoises, this turtle family is found in Europe, Africa, Asia and both American continents. Heavily traded as pets, some European and northern African species are under threat. Many species of tortoises are exceptionally long lived, with lifespans in excess of 100 years.
|
|
|
ELONGATED TORTOISE
|
|  | Indotestudo elongata
| The elongated (or yellow-headed) tortoise occurs in tropical south-east Asia and into India and surrounding areas. Growing to around 30cm (12in) in length, this tortoise has an elongated carapace as the name suggests. The tortoises diet is mainly fallen fruit and plant matter supplimented with the occassional dead animal such as fish and mice.
A source of human food in many Asian countries, these tortoises may be found in markets. As a result, the number of these tortoises has been in rapid decline and their survival is becoming problematic.
STATUS: VULNERABLE
|
|
|
Image: David Warwick (Melbourne Zoo Exhibit - Feb 2005)
|
|
|
INDIAN STAR TORTOISE
|
| | Geochelone elegans
| Found on both the Indian mainland and Sri Lanka in savanah and dune habitats, the patterning of each shield of this tortoises carapace makes it one of the most beautiful of land tortoises. A herbivore, the Geochelone elegans is relatively small, growing only to around 30cm (12in) in length. The Indian Star Tortoise while still found in significant numbers is considered threatened due to habitat encroachment.
|
|
|
Image: David Warwick (Taronga Zoo Exhibit - Jan 2005)
|
|
|
SEYCHELLES GIANT TORTOISE (ALDABRA TORTOISE)
|
| | Geochelone gigantea
| Similar to the Galapagos Giant Tortoise but less threatened, the Aldabra or Seychelles Giant Tortoise grows to as large as 250kg (550lb.) and may live for well in excess of 100 years.
Some 150,000 of these tortoises survive on a small group of coral islands in the Indian Ocean known as the Aldabra Atoll. These tortoises are the primary vegetarian consumers within their environment and are a protected species. Melbourne Zoo has five of these amazing turtles in its exhibit.
|
|
|
Image: David Warwick (Melbourne Zoo Exhibit - Dec 2004)
|
|
|
