What kind of animal is a tortoise? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Tortoises are very docile and get used to people easily, so they are one of the animals that are in high demand as pets, and they can also be said to be suitable for beginners. If you are considering keeping one, it is a good idea to actually try it out.
What is a Tortoise? Basic Stats
Tortoises are a family of reptiles in the order Testudinidae. Their scientific name is Testudinidae, and their English name is Tortoise. Most turtles are about 20-30cm long, 20cm long, and weigh around 2-3kg. The information is listed below.
| Japanese（和名） | リクガメ |
| English（英名） | Tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Testudinidae |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、Testudines、 Testudinidae 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 20cm |
| Weight（体重） | 2-3kg |
About classification
There are many species of land tortoises, including red-footed tortoises, Russian tortoises, Indian star tortoises, leopard tortoises, Horsfield’s tortoises, Hermann’s tortoises, red-footed tortoises, African spurred tortoises, Hermann’s tortoises, Greek tortoises, and giant tortoises. There are too many to introduce, so we will not go into detail here.
About habitat
Land tortoises are distributed on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
What are their characteristics? What kind of creatures are they?
There are said to be about 60 species of land turtles around the world, and they refer to a family of turtles including giant tortoises. The largest living species is the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the smallest is the flat-headed tortoise. They vary in size and color, and each has completely different characteristics. Some species have protrusions on their beaks and slightly short necks. Their limbs are thick and short, and their toes are degenerate and short. Land turtles are thought to have appeared in North America and Europe.
What is their personality like?
Land turtles are timid but very docile, and they tend to get used to people easily. They are intelligent and have a high learning ability. Perhaps because of this, they are often kept by humans. Even in the wild, they are lively and tame, regardless of gender, so they are cute. Basically, individuals are relatively easy to keep, so they are recommended for beginners.
What is their ecology like?
Tortoises are herbivorous and will eat insects, land shellfish, and the carcasses of animals such as frogs and lizards. They reproduce oviparously, often laying large numbers of eggs. Hatching usually takes about 100 days. Their lifespan depends on the species, but they can live for around 30 to 40 years, making them a long-lived animal.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Eagles and hawks are natural enemies of tortoises.
Are land turtles an endangered species?
Some land turtles have become extinct, and many species are in a critical situation due to habitat destruction. For this reason, care must be taken as some areas do not permit keeping them.
Can land turtles be kept?
It is possible to keep land turtles. The following items are needed to keep a land turtle. There are many small turtles registered and sold as new arrivals, and many looking for foster parents, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cages. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation methods. There are many products available in the shop, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required in the shop. We recommend using a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are various types such as red clay, coconut shell, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at low prices during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure the tortoise is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermometer and hygrometer
When raising an amphibian tortoise, it is very important to manage the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Tortoises are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. Therefore, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Tortoises are living creatures, so it’s a good idea to have a shelter indoors to give them a place to escape. Make sure to set it up properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet food
Tortoises are herbivorous, and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, along with komatsuna and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people give supplements as a reference. It’s a good idea to start by providing commercially available foods. They contain all the nutrients necessary for living creatures.
コメント