There are 49 tortoise species among all of the 356 turtle species. If you are a turtle enthusiast or a pet turtle owner this question may come to your mind sometimes “how to identify a tortoise”? Identifying tortoise species can be tricky, especially when there are so many species.
All of the different tortoise species have their unique traits based on physical structure, habitat preference and diet. When you are a pet owner, this is the answer you would want to know most about identifying tortoise species. In this post, we will talk about this question, “how to know what type of turtle you have”? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How to Identify Tortoise Species?
There are some basic physical attributes to identify tortoises. Let’s see the most common features of identifying tortoise species –
Shell Structure
There is a wide variety of shell forms for tortoises. For example, there are forest tortoises. Some of them have a high dome and a high shell. This gives extra space for its lungs. This is vital in oxygen-depleted tropical rainforests. On the other hand, in the desert tortoises, the shell form is flat.
So, it can easily dig under the ground. The shell is a combination of several bony plates. Scutes are outsider shell components and are made from keratin. They differ not only in shape, but also in color.
Head and Neck Features
Tortoise head shapes generally depend on their diet. The tortoises with relatively broad heads eat something such as tougher foliage. However, this can conclude what exactly the animals eat. In general ‘head shapes reflect diet’. Therefore, sea tortoises have retractable heads because their relatives on land have long necks. Most likely, they adapted to stay safe.
Limb Characteristics
Tortoise limbs’ structure also depends on their habitat preference. For example, dug-dwelling species such as Gopherus, or soil tortoises, have sturdy legs and strong claws. So, tree-dwelling tortoise breeds has more flexible limbs that fit the topology of their location. It is impossible to survive without these characteristics. It is easier to find and ‘eat since it gathers food’ and can easily flee from other predators.
Identifying Tortoise Species: 22 Different Tortoise Characteristics
So, here we have collected 22 different turtle species details. Let’s see –
1. Speckled Tortoise (Homopus signatus)
The speckled tortoise is the tiniest among all. Its shells have an unusual light tan and a fantastic speckled pattern, perfectly blending with the desert environment. The dry areas in the south of Africa and Namibia are their common home. Their adaptation to harsh conditions has contributed to their survival.
- Size: the smallest among all other species of tortoises 6–8 cm (2.5–3 inches)
- Shell Pattern: light tan or yellow with dark speckles or spots, what gave the tortoise its name
- Habitat: arid regions of southern Africa
- Diet: Small-diameter succulents
2. Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)
Egyptian tortoises are small and known for their pale-colored shells. They are endangered because people are taking their habitats, and some people capture them and keep them in their homes as pets. Among collectors, these tortoises are highly prized.
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade.
- Shell: The ground color varies, but basically it is pale yellowish-brown.
- Size: Usually around 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long.
- Habitat: Dry, desert regions of Egypt and Libya.
3. Russian Tortoise (Agrionemys horsfieldii)
Russian tortoises are famous for their toughness. They can endure wild temperature changes and can live in rocky deserts. Their high-domed shells have a yellow and dark brown pattern.
- Resilience: Hardy and able to live in harsh conditions.
- Size: Small to medium-sized, around 15–25 cm (6–10 inches).
- Shell: Dark brown and tan with a domed shape.
- Habitat: They are found in the dry, arid areas of Central Asia, including Russia and Afghanistan.
4. Greek Tortoise (Testudo graeca)
Greek tortoises are the most commonly kept type since they are easy to maintain. These tortoise breeds have large, high-domed freckles of yellow and brown designs all over their shell. Greek tortoises live in various areas, from forests to scrublands.
- Popularity: A common pet tortoise known for its adaptability.
- Size: Grows up to 20–30 cm (8–12 inches).
- Shell: High-domed with yellow and brown patterns.
- Habitat: Found across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
5. Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni)
Hermann’s tortoise is usually recognized for its most distinctive shell patterns. They have yellow and dark markings on their upper shells. It has two main subspecies that live in warm-climate adapted to the Mediterranean.
- Subspecies: Two distinct subspecies, the western and eastern Hermann’s tortoise.
- Shell: Vibrant yellow and dark markings on the shell, which is domed.
- Size: Typically ranges between 15–25 cm (6–10 inches).
- Habitat: Found in Mediterranean regions like Italy, Spain, and the Balkans.
6. Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)
Pancake tortoises have flat shells, while most other tortoises have doomed shells. Their flat shells help them escape predators, as they can compress their bodies into the narrowest of spaces. Pancake tortoises live in rocky outcrops in Africa, and they have adapted to using their flat shells by moving quickly around them.
- Size: Around 15–18 cm (6–7 inches) in length.
- Unique Feature: Flat, flexible shell that helps it squeeze into rock crevices.
- Habitat: Rocky hillsides of East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya.
- Diet: Mostly herbivorous, consuming grasses and leaves.
7. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
The gopher tortoise are burrowers and they often create huge underground tunnel networks. They live in sandy environments, and their dark shell is perfect for the greasy environment.
- Size: 23–28 cm (9–11 inches).
- Shell: Dark, unmarked, and dome-shaped.
- Habitat: Southeastern United States, including sandy areas in Florida and Georgia.
- Unique Feature: Digs deep burrows up to 10 feet for shelter.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
8. Hingeback Tortoise (Kinixys species)
Hingedback tortoises are adapted to hide behind their shells and close the rear side. In Africa, they live in a wide range of habitats. Due to their ability to adapt to many conditions, they are capable of surviving in a variety of different environments.
- Size: Typically 20–25 cm (8–10 inches).
- Shell: High domed with a hinged section at the rear.
- Habitat: Found in various environments from forests to savannas across Africa.
- Unique Feature: Hinged rear allows them to close their shell when threatened.
9. Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)
Indian Star Tortoises are easily identified by their stunning star-shaped shell patterns. It has a humped, rigid shell with star-shaped patterns. They have a higher tolerance to hot temperatures and are adapted to drier, arid environments. In the wild, they usually eat grass and fruits. Due to their high demand in the pet trade, this species is widely collected.
- Size: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches).
- Shell: Yellow and black star-like patterns.
- Habitat: Dry regions of India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
10. Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata)
The Elongated tortoise, Indotestudo elongate, is known for its narrow, elongated shell. It is native to the forests of the Southeast Asia. It eats everything from plant matter to snails and small animals. Although they wander in open areas, their shell color work as camouflage against the forest floor.
- Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
- Shell: Long, narrow with yellowish-brown coloring.
- Habitat: Humid forests and grasslands of Southeast Asia.
- Diet: Omnivorous, consuming fruits, fungi, and small invertebrates.
11. Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Desert tortoises possess dome-shaped shells which are highly adapted to their habitat, which is why they are the third species revealed. It is not surprising for them to have such high temperatures since they live in the desert. In times of drought, tortoises can store water in their bladders, which makes them live for a long time.
- Size: 25–36 cm (10–14 inches).
- Shell: Large and domed, usually brown or gray.
- Habitat: Arid deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
- Unique Feature: Can survive long periods without water.
12. Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
The red-footed tortoise is easily recognizable as there are red marks on their legs and face. The redfoot is the most common one, and it is suitable to be read as a pet as it is found in the tropical forests of South America, where it has a wide range of diets.
- Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
- Shell: Dark with yellow spots, but bright red markings on legs and face.
- Habitat: Forested areas of South America, including the Amazon Basin.
- Diet: Omnivorous, eating fruits, flowers, and small animals.
13. Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
The marginated tortoise is the largest species native to Europe. These tortoise breeds shell margins are flared and serrated, giving them a distinctive appearance. They grow in rocky hillsides and open woodlands and are primarily found in Greece and the adjacent countries.
- Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
- Shell: Dark with flared, serrated edges at the rear.
- Habitat: Found in southern Europe, especially in Greece.
- Unique Feature: Largest European tortoise species.
14. Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota)
Burmese star tortoises have star-patterned shells, just like Indian star tortoises. They’re severely endangered. The species is native to Myanmar and is suffering from habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade.
- Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
- Shell: Yellow and black starburst patterns, similar to the Indian Star.
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered.
- Habitat: Dry forests of Myanmar.
15. Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa)
The impressed tortoise has a shell with indentations, giving it a “pressed” look. This shy tortoise species lives in Southeast Asian forests and prefers cool, moist mountainous environments.
- Size: 30–35 cm (12–14 inches).
- Shell: Yellowish-brown with unique indentations on each scute.
- Habitat: Mountainous forests of Southeast Asia.
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, preferring mushrooms and leafy greens.
16. Angonoka Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)
Angonoka tortoises are known for their tall, domed shells with distinctive growth rings. They are found in Madagascar’s arid woodlands. It is highly endangered and threatened by habitat degradation and poaching.
- Size: Grows up to 41 cm (16 inches) long.
- Weight: Weighs around 10 kg (22 pounds).
- Shell: High-domed and typically light brown with distinct growth rings.
- Habitat: Native to Madagascar’s dry forests.
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals in the wild.
17. Yellow-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus)
The Yellow-Footed Tortoise is larger than the Red-Footed Tortoise and has yellow patterns on its limbs. This species is found in wet tropical woods all over South America. In the wild and in captivity, it’s an omnivorous species that adapts well.
- Size: Up to 40–50 cm (15–20 inches) in length.
- Weight: Can weigh up to 15 kg (33 pounds).
- Shell: Dark brown to black with yellowish spots.
- Habitat: Found in the tropical forests of South America, similar to the Red-Footed Tortoise.
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and small insects.
18. Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)
Radiated tortoises are known for their striking shells, marked by radiating yellow lines. This species is critically endangered in Madagascar, mostly because of poaching for the illegal pet trade. This species is under conservation efforts.
- Size: Grows up to 40 cm (16 inches).
- Weight: Around 13–16 kg (28–35 pounds).
- Shell: Yellow with beautiful radiating star patterns on each scute.
- Habitat: Native to the dry forests and scrublands of southern Madagascar.
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
19. Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis)
Leopard tortoises are easily identifiable by their ornate, spotted shells. It is one of Africa’s largest tortoises. They are primarily herbivorous, so they eat grass or plant-based food in savannas. This tortoise species is both adaptable in the wild or captivity.
- Size: Up to 70 cm (28 inches).
- Weight: Can weigh over 40 kg (88 pounds).
- Shell: Large, domed shell with black and yellow markings resembling leopard spots.
- Habitat: Found in semi-arid grasslands and savannas across Africa.
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses and shrubs.
20. Sulcata Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata)
The Sulcata, or African spurred tortoise, is the third biggest tortoise in the world. Because of its large, durable shell and ability to survive in arid environments, it’s perfect for the Sahara. Since they’re so big and popular in the pet trade, they need big enclosures.
- Size: Up to 76 cm (30 inches) long.
- Weight: Can weigh more than 45 kg (100 pounds).
- Shell: Tan or brown, with prominent growth rings and scutes.
- Habitat: Native to the Sahara Desert and Sahel regions of Africa.
- Unique Feature: Third-largest tortoise species in the world.
21. Aldabra Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
The Aldabra tortoise is among the largest tortoise species and lives only in the Aldabra Atoll. In addition to their incredible size and longevity, they often live well over 100 years, which makes them a wonder of nature.
- Size: Up to 122 cm (4 feet) in length.
- Weight: Can weigh up to 250 kg (550 pounds).
- Shell: Dark, domed, and very large.
- Habitat: Endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
22. Galapagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra)
Galapagos tortoises are the biggest tortoise species in the world. They are famous for playing a part in Darwin’s theory of evolution. The Galapagos Islands have this tortoises own subspecies, and each of these are adapted to the local environment.
- Size: Up to 150 cm (5 feet) long.
- Weight: Can weigh more than 400 kg (880 pounds).
- Shell: Various shapes depending on the island subspecies; some have saddle-shaped shells.
- Habitat: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.
- Unique Feature: Largest tortoise species in the world, with multiple subspecies adapted to different islands.
FAQs
How to Identify a Turtle?
You can identify turtles by their shell shape and texture—some have smooth shells, some have ridges. Freshwater turtles have webbed feet, while sea turtles have flippers. You should also check to see if the neck retracts into the shell. These characteristics can help distinguish turtles.
How to Identify a Tortoise Species?
You’ll always see a high-domed shell on tortoises. The shells of tortoises often have distinctive colors and patterns, and their legs are robust and scaled. Also, habitat is important – desert tortoises are different from those in humid places. Attributes like burrowing will give you more insights about them being land dwellers.
How to Identify My Tortoise Species?
You can start by checking your tortoise’s shell: its shape, size, and any markings. See if they match credible species guides. It’s useful to identify where the tortoise came from. You can get help identifying reptiles from a veterinarian or reptile expert if you’re unsure.
How to Identify Species of Tortoise?
First, consider the tortoise’s shell shape and color, then its habitat. There are species that live in dry regions and others that live in humid ones. Get more info from identification guides or apps, and consult a herpetologist if you need to.
Bottom Line
Identifying tortoise species can be fun by knowing all of the features we have discussed. So if you have this question, “How Do I Identify My Tortoise Species?” we hope you have some answers now. Identifying different tortoises is as easy as paying attention to their shell patterns, colours, and physical features. It’s also important to observe their behavior and know their favorite habitats. Remember to consider where they’re from, as that can help narrow down your choices. Last but not least, use the resources available to you, from books to apps, to get clear knowledge about