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Burmese Star Tortoise

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Angulate Tortoise

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Box Turtles

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Popular pet tortoises ...

Popular Pet Tortoises

What is a Tortoise?

The definition of the word tortoise varies from country to country. In general, it refers to a turtle that is herbivorous (feeds on plants) and terrestial (lives on land). More strictly, the term tortoise applies only to the true tortoises, members of the family Testudinidae.

Popular Pet Tortoises

Before obtaining any tortoise, do research on them. Find out how large they get, what kind of diet they need, and what their care and housing requirements are. Tortoises can live a very long time! You want to make sure you choose a species that fits your lifestyle, available space, and climate the best. With good care, a tortoise will be your friend for life!

Here are some of the most popular pet tortoises that are available as captive breds in the US. If you are looking for a pet, always buy a captive bred tortoise! In general, they are healthier, hardier, used to being handled, and adjusted to living in captive conditions.

African Spurred Tortoise aka Sulcata
(Geochelone sulcata)

photo by kepeter (mf)

See the Sulcata page for species profile and photos. Sulcatas are strong tortoises from Africa. They can grow HUGE (175+ lbs)!

Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)

photo by mirtol

See the Greek Tortoise page for species profile and photos. My first tortoise as a kid was a Greek tortoise. :O)

Hermann's Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)

photo by cristianocani (cc)

See the Hermann's Tortoise page for species profile and photos.

Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis)

Leopard Tortoise in Africa, photo by Mister-E (cc)

See the Leopard Tortoise page for species profile and photos. Leopards are large tortoises from Africa.

Red-footed Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria)

photo by Sarah & Iain (cc)

See the Redfoot Tortoise page for species profile and photos. Redfoots come from tropical South America. They need high humidity.

Russian Tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)

photo by Pamala Wilson (cc)

See the Russian Tortoise page for species profile and photos. They have entertaining personalities.

Also...

The Box Turtles!

photo by Mary R. Vogt (mf)

Box Turtles are NOT tortoises (members of the family Testudinidae), but they are often included with tortoises because their care is quite similar. They are fun little turtles.

See the Box Turtle pages for species profile and photos.

Links

• San Diego Zoo - Turtle, tortoise, and terrapin: What's the difference?