{"id":164523,"date":"2022-07-14T12:26:55","date_gmt":"2022-07-14T12:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/"},"modified":"2022-07-14T12:26:55","modified_gmt":"2022-07-14T12:26:55","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the different types of tortoises?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_are_the_different_types_of_tortoises\" title=\"What are the different types of tortoises?\">What are the different types of tortoises?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_many_types_of_tortoise_we_have\" title=\"How many types of tortoise we have?\">How many types of tortoise we have?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_do_I_identify_my_tortoise\" title=\"How do I identify my tortoise?\">How do I identify my tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_are_the_two_types_of_tortoise\" title=\"What are the two types of tortoise?\">What are the two types of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_best_type_of_tortoise_to_have_as_a_pet\" title=\"What is the best type of tortoise to have as a pet?\">What is the best type of tortoise to have as a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_most_common_type_of_tortoise\" title=\"What is the most common type of tortoise?\">What is the most common type of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_can_I_tell_what_type_of_tortoise_I_have\" title=\"How can I tell what type of tortoise I have?\">How can I tell what type of tortoise I have?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_rarest_type_of_tortoise\" title=\"What is the rarest type of tortoise?\">What is the rarest type of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_many_types_of_tortoises_are_there\" title=\"How many types of tortoises are there?\">How many types of tortoises are there?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_kind_of_tortoise_are_there\" title=\"What kind of tortoise are there?\">What kind of tortoise are there?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_kind_of_tortoise_is_best\" title=\"What kind of tortoise is best?\">What kind of tortoise is best?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_can_you_tell_the_difference_between_tortoises\" title=\"How can you tell the difference between tortoises?\">How can you tell the difference between tortoises?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_do_I_identify_my_turtle\" title=\"How do I identify my turtle?\">How do I identify my turtle?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_many_types_of_tortoise_do_we_have\" title=\"How many types of tortoise do we have?\">How many types of tortoise do we have?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_are_the_types_of_tortoise\" title=\"What are the types of tortoise?\">What are the types of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_are_the_two_main_types_of_turtles\" title=\"What are the two main types of turtles?\">What are the two main types of turtles?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_most_common_breed_of_tortoise\" title=\"What is the most common breed of tortoise?\">What is the most common breed of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_best_tortoise_for_beginners\" title=\"What is the best tortoise for beginners?\">What is the best tortoise for beginners?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_friendliest_breed_of_tortoise\" title=\"What is the friendliest breed of tortoise?\">What is the friendliest breed of tortoise?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#Which_tortoise_is_easiest_to_keep\" title=\"Which tortoise is easiest to keep?\">Which tortoise is easiest to keep?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#Is_a_tortoise_a_good_indoor_pet\" title=\"Is a tortoise a good indoor pet?\">Is a tortoise a good indoor pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_tortoise_is_the_best_pet\" title=\"What tortoise is the best pet?\">What tortoise is the best pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_tortoise_can_be_a_pet\" title=\"What tortoise can be a pet?\">What tortoise can be a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#What_is_the_smallest_tortoise_You_can_keep_as_a_pet\" title=\"What is the smallest tortoise You can keep as a pet?\">What is the smallest tortoise You can keep as a pet?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-tortoises\/#How_do_I_know_what_kind_of_turtle_do_I_have\" title=\"How do I know what kind of turtle do I have?\">How do I know what kind of turtle do I have?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_different_types_of_tortoises\"><\/span>What are the different types of tortoises?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_types_of_tortoise_we_have\"><\/span>How many types of tortoise we have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are <b>about 49 species of tortoises, and they range in size from the padlopers (Homopus) of southern Africa, with shell lengths of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches), to the giant tortoises (Geochelone) of the Aldabra and Galapagos islands, with shells over 1 metre (3.3 feet) long.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_identify_my_tortoise\"><\/span>How do I identify my tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise species identification is often easiest by <b>looking at the shell. If it appears soft and flat, it is a soft shell turtle, which will bite. If it has a line of ridges running the length of the shell that look like spikes, it is probably a snapping turtle, which will also bite.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_two_types_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What are the two types of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles are an order of reptiles known as Testudines, characterized by a shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the <b>side-necked turtles and hidden neck turtles, which differ in the way the head retracts.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_type_of_tortoise_to_have_as_a_pet\"><\/span>What is the best type of tortoise to have as a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Indian Star tortoises (Geochelone elegans) are one of the most attractive tortoises kept as pets due to their beautiful markings. Within captivity, there are rumours about them being a fragile species to care for, however when given the correct setup they can be just as easy as any other tortoise.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_most_common_type_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What is the most common type of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most commonly available and the easiest to care for is the <b>Spur Thighed (Greek) Tortoise. These are readily obtainable through many of the outlets mentioned below.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_tell_what_type_of_tortoise_I_have\"><\/span>How can I tell what type of tortoise I have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise species identification is often easiest by <b>looking at the shell. If it appears soft and flat, it is a soft shell turtle, which will bite. If it has a line of ridges running the length of the shell that look like spikes, it is probably a snapping turtle, which will also bite.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_rarest_type_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What is the rarest type of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Ploughshares are considered the rarest tortoise species, with only 500 known to be holding on in the forests of northwestern Madagascar.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_types_of_tortoises_are_there\"><\/span>How many types of tortoises are there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_tortoise_are_there\"><\/span>What kind of tortoise are there?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>5 of the Best Pet Tortoises<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mediterranean Spur-thighed tortoises. The Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is a species that I cant recommend highly enough.  <\/li>\n<li>Leopard tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Red-footed tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Indian Star tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>African Spur-thighed tortoise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sep 18, 2015<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_tortoise_is_best\"><\/span>What kind of tortoise is best?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are <b>29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises currently reported in India.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_you_tell_the_difference_between_tortoises\"><\/span>How can you tell the difference between tortoises?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Our Latest Posts<\/b><\/p>\n<li>Tortoises have more rounded and domed shells where turtles have thinner, more water-dynamic shells.  <\/li>\n<li>One major key difference is that tortoises spend most of their time on land and turtles are adapted for life spent in water.<\/li>\n<li>Tortoises have club-like forelegs and elephantine hind legs.<\/li>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_identify_my_turtle\"><\/span>How do I identify my turtle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>How to Identify Turtles<\/b><\/p>\n<li>The top shell of a turtle is called a carapace.<\/li>\n<li>The under-shell of a turtle is called a plastron.<\/li>\n<li>Many turtles have distinct carapace shapes or markings that can be used to identify them.  <\/li>\n<li>The triangular or geometric sections on the carapace are called scutes.<\/li>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_types_of_tortoise_do_we_have\"><\/span>How many types of tortoise do we have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_types_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What are the types of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoise<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_two_main_types_of_turtles\"><\/span>What are the two main types of turtles?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are <b>about 49 species of tortoises, and they range in size from the padlopers (Homopus) of southern Africa, with shell lengths of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches), to the giant tortoises (Geochelone) of the Aldabra and Galapagos islands, with shells over 1 metre (3.3 feet) long.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_most_common_breed_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What is the most common breed of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Turtles are an order of reptiles known as Testudines, characterized by a shell developed mainly from their ribs. Modern turtles are divided into two major groups, the <b>side-necked turtles and hidden neck turtles, which differ in the way the head retracts.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_best_tortoise_for_beginners\"><\/span>What is the best tortoise for beginners?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>10 Best Pet Tortoise Breeds for Beginners<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Egyptian Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Marginated Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Pancake Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Leopard Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Red-Footed Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Hermanns Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Indian Star Tortoise.<\/li>\n<li>Sulcata Tortoise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_friendliest_breed_of_tortoise\"><\/span>What is the friendliest breed of tortoise?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most interactive tortoises include <b>red-footed and African spur-thighed tortoises and will often seek out their owners for positive interactions. Red-footed and Hermanns tortoises are also known for their curious and docile natures which make them great for first-time tortoise owners.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_tortoise_is_easiest_to_keep\"><\/span>Which tortoise is easiest to keep?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most commonly available and the easiest to care for is the <b>Spur Thighed (Greek) Tortoise.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_tortoise_a_good_indoor_pet\"><\/span>Is a tortoise a good indoor pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tortoises are long-lived, hearty, and reasonably easy to care for. <b>They are not an ideal pet to keep indoors, and not a pet that is played with, cuddled, or handled very often. Tortoises thrive best where they get sunshine and fresh air.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_tortoise_is_the_best_pet\"><\/span>What tortoise is the best pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Small Species of Tortoises<\/b><\/p>\n<li>The Russian Tortoise. This is a popular choice for new tortoise owners and people who have kept lots of other tortoises.  <\/li>\n<li>The Indian Star Tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Kleinmanns Tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Hermanns Tortoise.  <\/li>\n<li>Pancake Tortoise.<\/li>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_tortoise_can_be_a_pet\"><\/span>What tortoise can be a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Summary. Tortoises make great pets despite their shy, docile, and quiet state. These low-maintenance animals are easy to make room for, and they are harmless. The <b>Russian tortoise, Greek tortoise, Egyptian tortoise, Indian star tortoise, Hermanns tortoise, and pancake tortoise are small-sized pets.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_smallest_tortoise_You_can_keep_as_a_pet\"><\/span>What is the smallest tortoise You can keep as a pet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The smallest pet tortoise breed is the <b>Egyptian tortoise (also known as Kleinmanns tortoise). When fully grown, males can measure 3-4 inches, and females can measure up to 5 inches. Theyre easy to keep and care for, but tortoise enthusiasts most love this species due to its curious personality.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_what_kind_of_turtle_do_I_have\"><\/span>How do I know what kind of turtle do I have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>To best identify the turtle species, strictly follow the steps.<\/b><\/p>\n<li>Identify If The Turtle Is A Freshwater Turtle, A Tortoise Or A Sea Turtle.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Plastron Shape.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Shell.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Scutes On The Shell.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Pectoral Scute On The Plastron.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Feet.  <\/li>\n<li>Inspect The Keel.<\/li>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents What are the different types of tortoises?How many types of tortoise we have?How do I identify my tortoise?What are the two types of tortoise?What is the best type of tortoise to have as a pet?What is the most common type of tortoise?How can I tell what type of tortoise I have?What is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-164523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164523"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164523"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164523\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=164523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=164523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}