Speke's hinge-back tortoise
A species of Hinge-back tortoise, Also known as Savanna hinge tortoise Scientific name : Kinixys spekii Genus : Hinge-back tortoise
Speke's hinge-back tortoise, A species of Hinge-back tortoise
Also known as:
Savanna hinge tortoise
Scientific name: Kinixys spekii
Genus: Hinge-back tortoise
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Speke's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys spekii), also known commonly as Speck's hingeback tortoise, is a species of turtle in the family Testudinidae. The species is endemic to Africa.
General Info
Lifespan
50-100 years
Diet
Speke's hinge-back tortoise is primarily a herbivore, favoring succulent plants and fallen fruit. However, its diet also includes small portions of invertebrates, making it a committed omnivore displaying an opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
Speke's hinge-back tortoise is a medium-sized tortoise with a domed, triangular-shaped shell, covered in scaly skin. Its main coloration is a mix of brown and yellow, creating a pattern akin to a mosaic across its shell. The males have significantly longer and thicker tails compared to females. It has two short, stubby legs in the front for digging and two powerful hind legs, each ending in sharp, sturdy claws.
Behavior
Speke's hinge-back tortoise is a predominantly solitary tortoise distinguished by its terrestrial habits. These tortoises are most active during the cooler hours of the day, engaging in foraging activities. Their diet primarily comprises vegetation. They are quite territorial, often inhabiting the same area for several years. Unusually, speke's hinge-back tortoise demonstrates shell-lifting behavior to deter potential threats, a unique adaptation for survival in its natural habitat.
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Tortoises Genus
Hinge-back tortoise Species
Speke's hinge-back tortoise