Egyptian tortoise: keeping, profile and food
The Egyptian Tortoise is the smallest representative of the genus Testudo in the Palearctic tortoise group. It originates from the Mediterranean region in Egypt, Israel, and Libya. However, the population has significantly declined in these areas, and the Egyptian Tortoise is now critically endangered.
Egyptian Tortoise Profile
- Scientific Name: Testudo kleinmanni
- Size: 10 to a maximum of 15 cm (shell length)
- Weight: Approximately 150 to 300 g
- Lifespan: 20-30 years in the wild, up to 50 years in captivity
- Distribution: Egypt, Libya, Israel
- Habitat: Steppe and desert-like areas near the coast
- Keeping: In a terrarium or alternatively in heated conservatories and greenhouses
- Diet: Plants such as grasses, leaves, flowers, and wild herbs
- Behavior: Diurnal (active during the day)
- Hibernation: No
Appearance of the Egyptian Tortoise
The Egyptian Tortoise is a small species of tortoise. Its shell usually reaches a length of 10 to 12 centimeters. Large females can occasionally grow up to 15 centimeters, while males are generally much smaller. Females can weigh up to 300 grams, while males weigh around 150 grams.
Unlike other members of its genus, the Egyptian Tortoise is not only significantly smaller but also lacks the horny nail on its tail and the spurs on its thighs.
The shell of the Egyptian Tortoise is yellowish-beige to dull brown, and the base of each scute is dark brown. Additionally, the shell of the Egyptian Tortoise is strongly domed. The beige belly shell usually has several pairs of dark spots, somewhat resembling the pattern of the Marginated Tortoise.
The skin of the Egyptian Tortoise is typically beige to yellowish, perfectly adapted to desert life. It serves both as camouflage and to reflect sunlight.
Habitat of the Egyptian Tortoise
The Egyptian Tortoise inhabits coastal areas in Egypt, Libya, and Israel, occurring within a maximum distance of 120 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. In its natural habitat, it is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer and rarely dropping below 10 degrees Celsius at night in winter.
To protect themselves from overheating and dehydration, Egyptian Tortoises are active only during the spring, autumn, and winter days. During summer, they limit their activities to the early morning and evening hours. They also undergo a summer rest period, during which they burrow into the ground from June to August for a duration of four to eight weeks, depending on the weather.
Keeping the Egyptian Tortoise
Due to the high temperatures preferred by the Egyptian Tortoise, it can generally only be kept in a terrarium. Creating an outdoor enclosure in the garden is not recommended.
The terrarium should have a minimum floor space of two square meters, but it can certainly be larger. Additionally, it is crucial to provide adequate heating. UV lamps and heat emitters are essential equipment and should not be overlooked when keeping the Egyptian Tortoise.
As an alternative to terrarium keeping, a conservatory or greenhouse can be suitable if space allows and proper heating can be ensured.
It is advisable to keep the tortoises in groups. However, cohabitation with other tortoises from the Testudo genus is not recommended. These tortoises not only grow much larger but also require lower temperatures than the Egyptian Tortoise.
Diet of the Egyptian Tortoise
Egyptian Tortoises are strictly herbivorous. Their diet includes grasses, leaves, flowers, and wild herbs. To meet their calcium requirements, they occasionally consume snail shells or the shells of bird eggs.
In their natural habitat, Egyptian Tortoises find limited food for many months of the year. Therefore, when keeping them as pets, it is crucial to provide them with an appropriate amount of food to prevent health issues.
Lifespan of the Egyptian Tortoise
Wild Egyptian Tortoises have an average lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. However, when kept in captivity, they can live up to 50 years or more, given that they are provided with suitable living conditions.
Hibernation of the Egyptian Tortoise
Due to the mild winters in their natural habitat, Egyptian Tortoises do not undergo hibernation. They may occasionally burrow into the ground during very cold nights and come out during the day.
Reproduction and Breeding of the Egyptian Tortoise
Egyptian Tortoises generally reach sexual maturity between the ages of eight and ten years. The mating season occurs in late winter and spring, followed by egg-laying three to four weeks later.
During egg-laying, the female tortoise finds a suitable location and digs a nest, typically laying a single egg. In larger females, there may occasionally be clutches of up to four eggs. In one breeding season, an Egyptian Tortoise can lay a maximum of three clutches.
After egg-laying, the nest is carefully sealed to protect it from potential predators. The incubation period lasts between 90 and 120 days, depending on the ambient temperatures. Upon hatching, the hatchlings weigh only about 5.5 to 8 grams.
Buying an Egyptian Tortoise
If you intend to buy an Egyptian Tortoise, it is important to be aware that their care requirements are quite demanding. Therefore, they are not recommended for beginners.
Moreover, the Egyptian Tortoise is classified as an endangered species. As a result, breeders and keepers must adhere to certain legal regulations. This includes registering each tortoise with the appropriate authorities. Trading in wild-caught Egyptian Tortoises is generally prohibited.
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