Land turtle description. Terrestrial turtles. Leopard or panther tortoise

In the family of land turtles (lat. Testudinidae), there are 10-13 genera (depending on taxonomy), including about 40 species.

About 20 species of land turtles live in Africa and 8 species in South-East Asia. Several species can be found in Southern Europe, 3 species – in South America and 2 species – in North America. Most species of land turtles inhabit deserts, steppes and savannas. Some species can also be found in wooded areas.

Among land turtles there are: giant shapes reaching a length of a meter or more, as well as small animals 10-12 cm long.

The shell of these terrestrial animals is high, less often flattened. The head and thick columnar legs are covered with scutes and scales.

All land turtles are slow and clumsy. Unlike fresh aquatic turtles in case of danger, they do not flee, but use only a means of passive protection - the shell.

IN wildlife land turtles mainly feed on a variety of green vegetation, only occasionally diversifying their diet with invertebrates. If their diet includes succulent vegetation, they can go without water for a long time, but if possible, they drink with pleasure.

The central genus of the land turtle family is the land turtle (Testudo). These turtles are widely distributed in Africa, South America, southern and western Asia, and southern Europe. Apparently, the most ancient species can be considered the once numerous giant tortoises, rare specimens of which can still be found today in the Galapagos and Seychelles.

Lives on the Galapagos Islands (Testudo elерhantopus). Adults weigh about 100 kg, and the weight of individual giants can reach 400 kg.

Testudo elephantopus

Various geographical forms gigantic turtle(Testudo gigantea) 200 years ago were found in the Seychelles, Madagascar, on the island. Rodriguez and on about. Isabela. Unfortunately, fishing for these majestic animals has led to their extinction on most of the islands. Today they can only be found on Aldabra Atoll.

Both Testudo elephantopus and Testudo gigantea are unsurpassed giants of the turtle world, but other representatives of this kind can have quite impressive sizes. It's about about African spurred(Testudo sulcata) and panther(Testudo cardalis) turtles, whose shell length can reach 70 cm.

Leopard, or panther, tortoises come from the savannahs of the South and East Africa. Their habitats are characterized by a large amount of diverse vegetation, where they prefer grassy areas covered with low bushes. These turtles are capable of climbing mountains to heights of up to 2000 m above sea level. The main background of the carapace of panther turtles is sandy yellow. Juveniles have a dark brown pattern on the carapace scutes.

The African spurred tortoise is often confused with the Mediterranean spurred tortoise. The latter is not only much smaller in size, but also has completely different requirements for the habitat. The length of the African spurred tortoise can reach 83 cm, and the maximum recorded weight is 105 kg. You can only keep a Spurred Tortoise at home if you live in a hot, dry climate and can provide the animal with a large area to graze outside of your home. This species of turtle digs huge holes and can dig under fences and house walls. The spurred tortoise requires a lot of fresh vegetation as food.

Another rather large turtle (shell length can reach 50 cm) with magnificent coloring - Madagascar radiated tortoise(Testudo radiata) Its high, dome-shaped black carapace is decorated with bright yellow rays stretching to the edges of the scutes. In addition to this species, Madagascar is inhabited by Madagascar beaked tortoise(Testudo yniphora) and a flat turtle (Testudo planicauda), characterized by its miniature size (shell length no more than 12 cm). The same tiny South African knobby turtle(Testudo tentoria). The southern regions of the mainland are also inhabited by two larger species - beaked turtle(Testudo angulata) and geometric turtle(Testudo geometrika).

The northern regions of Africa cannot boast the same species diversity of turtles as the southern ones. In North Africa, only two species of the Testudo genus are found: the Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo graeca) and the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleimanni).

Mediterranean turtle besides North Africa, found in Asia Minor, southern Spain, the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, the east of the Balkan Peninsula, and Iran. Prefers to live in semi-deserts, steppes, on mountain slopes and in dry sparse forests. The shell of the Mediterranean tortoise is convex, yellow or olive in color with dark spots on the scutes. There are spurs on the hips. The length of the shell can reach 35 cm. The basis of the diet is various vegetation, but if possible, it also eats invertebrates. The Mediterranean tortoise is often kept at home. It is relatively unpretentious and, with plenty of warmth and proper feeding, lives in captivity for decades.

(Testudo kleinmanni) lives in the deserts of Northeast Africa. The length of the carapace of this baby is only about 12 cm. The carapace is yellow with dark spots. When in danger, the “Egyptian” quickly buries itself in the sand.

Central Asian tortoise(Testudo horsfieldi) lives in the steppes Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, in northwestern India, as well as in the southern regions of Kazakhstan. It can be found in sandy and clayey deserts with thickets of vegetation, on cultivated lands and in river valleys. In foothill areas it can rise up to 1200 m above sea level.

Today, turtle lovers most often find this species. The most important thing when keeping a Central Asian tortoise at home is an abundance of warmth and light. green leaves, edible flowers, vegetables and fruits. With a clear schedule, they quickly get used to the place and time of feeding.

In winter, it is recommended to lay down the Central Asian turtle.

Kinix Turtles(genus Kinichys)live in tropical areas Central Africa. This genus has a very original shell structure: the rear third of the carapace (the lower side of the shell) is connected to the main part by a transverse tendon layer. They use this feature in times of danger as a mechanism to protect the soft, fleshy parts. The largest turtle of this genus, the toothed kinix (Kiniхys erosa), reaches a length of 30 cm. Without experience, it is quite difficult.

Flathead turtles(genus Homophorus) includes 4 species. They live in South Africa, where they are found in semi-deserts and dry woodlands. These are one of the smallest land turtles (shell length is about 10-11 cm). Most close-up view in this genus - Homophorus femoralis grows to a maximum of 15 cm.

Another miniature turtle (Pyxis arachnoides), whose shell length does not exceed 10 cm, lives in the west of Madagascar. Spider turtle can be found in dry savanna woodlands or bush thickets. The anterior part of the reptile plastron is movably connected to the main part using a transverse tendinous ligament. This feature allows the animal to close in front when attacked by predators.

Another genus close to terrestrial turtles is the gopher (Gorherus). This genus is represented by (Gorherus coluphemus), which lives in the southern regions of the United States and northern Mexico, where they are found in dry sandy areas, dunes, and pine woodlands on sand. This species is distinguished from terrestrial turtles by its flattened, strong front legs and wide and short claws, which are adapted for digging the ground (they can dig holes from 3 to 12 m). Gopher tortoises reach a length of 34 cm. The low, sometimes slightly lumpy shell is brown with light, fuzzy spots.

Found in Tanzania and Kenya elastic turtle(Malacochersus tornieri), which has a very unusual appearance. Its shell is formed by thin perforated bone plates and is soft to the touch. The underside of the carapace is strongly flattened and cut off almost vertically at the back, while the marginal scutes protrude back like serrated blades. The elastic turtle climbs well and climbs between stones, and when in danger, it hides under stones or in rock crevices. When you try to get it out of the crack, it becomes jammed with your feet, and perhaps even swells slightly.

A turtle is an animal of the chordate type, class Reptiles, order Tortoise (Testudines). These animals have existed on planet Earth for more than 220 million years.

The tortoise got its Latin name from the word “testa”, meaning “brick”, “tile” or “clay vessel”. The Russian analogue came from the Proto-Slavic word čerpaxa, which in turn came from the modified Old Slavic word “čerpъ”, “shard”.

Turtle - description, characteristics and photographs

turtle shell

A characteristic feature of turtles is the presence of a shell, which is designed to protect the animal from natural enemies. turtle shell consists of a dorsal (carapace) and abdominal (plastron) part. The strength of this protective cover is such that it can easily withstand a load exceeding the weight of the turtle by 200 times. The carapace consists of two parts: internal armor made of bone plates, and external armor made of horny scutes. In some species of turtles, the bony plates are covered with thick skin. The plastron was formed due to the fused and ossified sternum, clavicles and abdominal ribs.

Depending on the species, the size and weight of the turtle vary significantly.

Among these animals there are giants weighing more than 900 kg with a carapace size of 2.5 meters or more, but there are small turtles whose body weight does not exceed 125 grams and whose shell length is only 9.7-10 cm.

Head and eyes of a turtle

Turtle head It has a streamlined shape and medium size, which allows you to quickly hide it inside a safe shelter. However, there are species with large heads that fit poorly or not at all into the shell. In some representatives of the genus, the tip of the muzzle looks like a kind of “proboscis” ending in nostrils.

Due to the peculiarities of the way of life on land, the turtle's eyes look at the ground. In aquatic representatives of the order they are located closer to the top of the head and directed forward and upward.

The neck of most turtles is short, however, individual species it can be comparable to the length of the carapace.

Does a turtle have teeth? How many teeth does a turtle have?

To bite and grind food, turtles use a hard and powerful beak, the surface of which is covered with rough bulges that replace teeth. Depending on the type of food, they can be razor-sharp (in predators) or with jagged edges (in herbivores). The ancient turtles that lived 200 million years ago, unlike modern individuals, had real teeth. The tongue of turtles is short and serves only for swallowing, and not for capturing food, so it does not stick out.

Limbs and tail of turtles

A turtle has a total of 4 legs. The structure and functions of the limbs depend on the animal’s lifestyle. Species that live on land have flattened forelimbs adapted for digging and powerful hind legs. Freshwater turtles are characterized by the presence of leathery membranes between the toes on all four paws that facilitate swimming. U sea ​​turtles In the process of evolution, the limbs have been transformed into a kind of flippers, and the size of the front ones is much larger than the back ones.

Almost all turtles have a tail, which, like the head, is hidden inside the shell. In some species it ends in a nail-shaped or pointed spine.

Turtles have a well-developed color vision, which helps them find food, and excellent hearing, allowing them to hear enemies at a considerable distance.

Turtles molt, like many reptiles. U land species Shedding affects the skin in small quantities; in aquatic turtles, shedding occurs unnoticed.

During molting, transparent shields peel off from the shell, and the skin from the paws and neck comes off in rags.

The lifespan of a turtle in natural conditions can reach 180-250 years. When winter cold or summer drought sets in, turtles go into hibernation, the duration of which can exceed six months.

Due to the weakly expressed sexual characteristics of turtles, it is very difficult to determine which of the animals is a “boy” and which is a “girl”. However, if you approach the issue carefully, having studied some of the external and behavioral characteristics of these exotic and interesting reptiles, then finding out their gender will not seem such a difficult matter.

• Carapace

In the female it usually has a more elongated, elongated shape compared to the male.

• Plastron (lower part of the shell)

Turn the turtle over and look at it carefully - the shell on the side of the abdomen closer to the anus in female turtles is flat, in males it is slightly concave (by the way, this nuance facilitates the mating process).

• Tail

Male turtles have a tail that is slightly longer, wider and thicker at the base, most often curved down. The tail of the “young ladies” is short and straight.

• Anal opening (cloaca)

In females it is located somewhat closer to the tip of the tail, shaped like an asterisk or a circle compressed on the sides. In male turtles, the anus has a narrow oblong or slit shape.

• Claws

In almost all species, except leopard tortoise, the claws of males on the forelimbs are longer than those of females.

• Notch at the tail

Males have a V-shaped notch in the back of their shell, which is necessary for turtles to mate.

• Behavior

Male turtles are often more active, and in mating season They are distinguished by their aggressiveness towards their opponent and towards the “lady of their heart”, they chase her, trying to bite her, and nod their heads funny. At this time, the female can calmly watch the “courtship”, hiding her head in her shell.

• Some species of turtles have specific differences between females and males, such as color, size or head shape.

Types of turtles - photos and descriptions

The tortoise order consists of two suborders, divided by the way the animal retracts its head into its shell:

• Hidden-necked turtles, folding their necks in the form Latin letter"S";
• Side-necked turtles, hiding their head towards one of their front legs.

According to the habitat of turtles, there is the following classification:

• Sea turtles (live in seas and oceans)
• Terrestrial turtles (live on land or in fresh water)
  • Land turtles
  • Freshwater turtles

In total, there are more than 328 species of turtles, forming 14 families.

Types of land turtles

• Galapagos tortoise (elephant) (Chelonoidis elephantopus)

The length of the shell of these turtles can reach 1.9 meters, and the weight of the turtle can exceed 400 kg. The size of the animal and the shape of its shell depend on the climate. In arid areas, the carapace is saddle-shaped, and the limbs of the reptile are long and thin. The weight of large males rarely exceeds 50 kg. In humid climate the shape of the dorsal shell becomes dome-shaped, and the size of the animal increases significantly. The elephant tortoise lives in the Galapagos Islands.

• Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)

a small representative of land turtles. The size of the carapace of males barely reaches 10 cm, females are slightly larger. The color of the shell of this type of turtle is brown-yellow with a small border along the edges of the horny scutes. The Egyptian tortoise lives in northern Africa and the Middle East.

• Central Asian tortoise (Testudo (Agrionemys) horsfieldii)

a small reptile with a shell size of up to 20 cm. The carapace has a rounded shape and is colored yellowish-brown with darker spots of uncertain shape. These turtles have 4 toes on their forelimbs. The most popular type of turtle for home care, lives about 40-50 years. Lives in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Syria, northeastern Iran, northwestern Pakistan and India.

• Leopard tortoise (panther tortoise) (Geochelone pardalis)

The carapace length of this turtle exceeds 0.7 m, and the weight can reach 50 kg. The shell of this type of turtle is high and dome-shaped. Its color has sandy-yellow tones, on which in young individuals a spotted pattern of black or dark brown is clearly visible, disappearing as they grow older. This species of turtle lives in African countries.

• Cape speckled turtle (Homopus Signatus)

the world's smallest turtle. The length of its carapace does not exceed 10 cm, and its weight reaches 95-165 grams. Lives in South Africa and southern Namibia.

Types of freshwater turtles

• Painted turtle (decorated turtle) (Chrysemys picta)

A rather small species of turtles with individual sizes ranging from 10 to 25 cm. Top part The oval dorsal shell has a smooth surface, and its color can be either olive green or black. The skin has the same color, but with different stripes of red or yellow tone. They have leathery membranes between their toes. Lives in Canada and the USA.

• European marsh turtle (Emys orbicularis)

The size of individuals can reach up to 35 cm and weight 1.5 kg. The smooth, oval carapace is movably connected to the plastron and has a slightly convex shape. Representatives of this species have a very long tail (up to 20 cm). The color of the upper shell is brown or olive. The skin color is dark with yellow spots. The turtle lives in European countries, the Caucasus, and Asian countries.

• Red-eared turtle (yellow-bellied turtle) (Trachemys scripta)

The shell of these turtles can be up to 30 cm long. Its coloring is bright green in young individuals, over time it turns into yellow-brown or olive. Next to the eyes on the head there are two spots of yellow, orange or red. This feature gave the species its name. lives in the USA, Canada, the northwest South America(in the north of Venezuela and Colombia).

• Snapping turtle (biting) (Chelydra serpentina)

A characteristic feature of a turtle is a cross-shaped plastron and a long tail, which is covered with scales with small spines, as well as the skin of the head and neck. The shell dimensions of these turtles can reach 35 cm, and the weight of an adult animal can be 30 kg. The snapping turtle waits out unfavorable conditions in hibernation. This turtle lives in the USA and southeastern Canada.

Types of sea turtles

• Hawksbill turtle (true carriage) (Eretmochelys imbricata)

The carapace of these turtles is heart-shaped and up to 0.9 m in size. The top layer of the shell is colored brown tones with a pattern in the form of multi-colored spots. In young individuals, the horny plates overlap each other like tiles, but as it grows, the overlap disappears. The front flippers of the animal are equipped with two claws. The hawksbill lives both in the latitudes of the northern hemisphere and in southern countries.

• Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

this is the largest turtle in the world. The span of its front flipper-like limbs reaches 2.5 meters, the mass of reptiles is more than 900 kg, and the dimensions of the shell exceed 2.6 m. The surface of the upper shell is covered not with keratinized plates, but with dense skin, for which the species received its name. The turtle lives in tropical areas of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.

• Green turtle (soup turtle) (Chelonia mydas)

The weight of the turtle ranges from 70 to 450 kg, and the carapace size is from 80 to 150 cm. The color of the skin and carapace can be either olive with a green tint or dark brown with various spots and stripes of white or yellow color. The turtle's shell is short and oval in shape, and its surface is covered with large horny scutes. Because of big size These reptiles’ heads do not hide it inside. Lives green turtle in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The turtle is a beautiful animal belonging to the order Reptiles. Turtles are considered the oldest creatures that were among the first to appear on earth. In the wild, these animals live in the tropics, as well as in places where temperate climate. Turtles can live both on land and in water.

Today, terrestrial species have become actively used as pets. Let's look at the main types of domestic turtles.

Terrestrial turtles are divided into two types:

• land;
• freshwater

Types of land turtles

Central Asian tortoise

Among the species of domestic turtles, this animal is considered the most popular. These are exactly the creatures that people most often see when visiting their friends and acquaintances. These are very clumsy animals that are characterized by extremely slow movement. It is worth noting that this turtle is listed in the Red Book, which means that its sale is prohibited by law. However, pet stores do not pay attention to this. In the wild, the main habitat is Central Asia.

The turtle has a light shell with dark scutes. The limbs are characterized by the presence of four fingers. To keep this species in a terrarium, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of about 30 degrees. It is also worth keeping in mind that from a psychological point of view these animals do not like enclosed spaces, it is this fact that explains the rapid death of turtles.

This species has about 20 subspecies, which are characterized by living in completely different climatic conditions. These turtles love warmth and direct sunlight. Each subspecies has its own characteristics: the size and color of the shell. The maximum size reaches 35 cm. On the back of the thigh of this turtle you can see a mound of horny tissue. The front paws have five toes, the hind paws have spurs. Keeping them in a terrarium involves maintaining a temperature of about 25-30 degrees.

Egyptian tortoise

These animals are extremely small. The maximum size of the shell is 12 cm. The color is yellowish with scutes bordered by a dark stripe. There are no spurs on the hind legs. In the wild they live mainly in Egypt, Israel, and Libya. Like most other species, the temperature in the aquarium is required within 24-30 degrees. These turtles have some peculiarities in behavior. So, for example, when any danger approaches, the animal immediately buries itself in the sand.

Balkan tortoise

This is the view external signs can be confused with Mediterranean turtles. The main difference is the small size of the shell, about 15-20 cm. The color of the shell is light brown with dark spots. The younger the turtle, the brighter its color. One more hallmark worth considering conical spike, which is located at the end of the tail. The main habitat in the wild is Southern Europe, namely the Mediterranean coast. It is worth noting that turtles that live to the west are much smaller than those located in the east. At home, keeping the species is possible at a temperature of 26-32 degrees.

Types of freshwater turtles

European marsh turtle

This type has 13 subspecies. The turtle's shell is low and smooth. The length of the animal is about 35 cm, the average weight of individuals is approximately one and a half kilograms. The color of the shell of turtles is dark green. The head, neck and paws are covered with light spots. The fingers have large, sharp claws and webbing. View characterized by a fairly large tail, the length of which is ¾ of the length of the turtle’s entire body.

In the wild, these animals can be found in different regions of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, etc. Ideal habitat conditions for the species are lakes and ponds. Individuals are most active during the day. The species is one of those listed in the Red Book. Keeping it at home requires a temperature of 22-25 degrees and air temperature of about 30.

Pond slider

Of all the species, city dwellers most often breed this one in their aquariums and terrariums. All 15 subspecies red eared turtles classified as so-called decorated. They received this name because of the red or yellow spots that are located near the ears. The size of individuals is about 18-30 centimeters. Young turtles have a lighter color shell. The head and paws are decorated with stripes of rich green color. The species has sexual differences: males have a more powerful tail and nail plate.

In the wild they are found in Mexico, America, the USA, and less often in Australia, Spain, Great Britain, and Israel. Optimal environment Habitats: marshy shores of water bodies and ponds. Individuals of the species are very lazy, slow and inactive. At home, turtles must be kept at a water temperature of about 28 degrees, air temperature of 32.

Far Eastern turtle

Another name for the species is Chinese trionix. These individuals are the exception to all the rules. The fact is that, unlike the usual hard shell, these turtles have a soft “house”. Dimensions reach 20 cm, the surface of the shell is leathery, soft, without scutes, green in color.

This is not to say that the shell is the only part that can surprise this species. A little It’s unusual to see a trunk instead of a nose and observe the presence of only three toes on the paws. If somewhere in China a small trunk sticks out of a pond, you need to remember that this is a feature of Far Eastern turtles. At first glance, this species is very cute and completely defenseless, but they have a secret here too. Trionix's jaws have special sharp edges, thanks to which the animal can grab prey. In addition, it is worth noting the increased mobility of individuals and the speed of reaction.

For humans, these turtles are also very dangerous, as they often show aggression, bite and are very difficult to tame. The only option to find mutual language with individuals – rearing in captivity from birth. The main habitats are China, Japan, and the Russian Far East. The most popular habitats are bodies of water characterized by weak currents. Chinese and Japanese The meat of these turtles is highly valued and consider it a delicacy. Closed terrariums for keeping at home require maintaining a water temperature of about 26 degrees and an air temperature of 32.

Caspian turtle

Individuals of this species have a flat, oval shell middle length 30 cm. Dark green color with yellow stripes. Stripes can also be noted on the head and limbs. Also the species has sexual differences: Males have a concave carapace and a thicker, longer tail.

In the wild they are found mainly in Southern Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, the Caucasus, Iraq, and Iran. The most favorable habitat conditions are bodies of water with both fresh and salt water, with the presence of coastal vegetation. This species of turtle has unique ability– climb mountains to great heights, and also live for about 30 years. To keep them at home, a certain temperature is required: water -18-22 degrees, air - 30-32.

• ultra-violet rays;
• required water and air temperatures;
• terrarium or aquarium;
• the ability of aquatic turtles to come onto land.

Thus, today there are quite a lot of species of domestic turtles. Each of them requires certain care and has its own characteristics. The choice always remains with the person, who has the right to choose which pet will delight the eye every day.

The land animal has lived on earth for more than 210 million years. Translated from Latin, the name of the animal means clay vessel or brick. In Russian, the name has ancient Slavic roots and its meaning is “shard”.

Land turtle - description and structure

The main characteristic of turtles is their shell. Its main purpose is protection from enemies. It is so strong that it can withstand a load of 190 times the weight of the animal itself. The shell consists of parts:

• Carapace. It is divided into internal armor, which is based on bone plates, and an outer layer, represented by horny scutes. In some animals, the armor is covered with a dense layer of skin.
• The plastron is formed by ossification and fusion of the abdominal ribs, clavicle and sternum.

The animals have a medium-sized, streamlined head. These features make it possible to quickly remove it when threatened. But there are species whose heads are very voluminous, practically not fitting into the carapace. In a number of reptiles, the end of the muzzle resembles a trunk with nostrils at the end.

The eyes of animals that live on land are always directed downwards. Most often, the neck of reptiles is short, but there are species in which it is the same length as the shell.

The beak replaces teeth for turtles. This is what animals use to chop and bite off food. The surface of the beak is covered with convexities that are rough to the touch. They are the ones that replace teeth. In herbivorous reptiles, the protrusions are jagged along the edges.

Archaeologists have discovered ancient turtles. They had real teeth, which were reduced over time.

Animals have a short tongue that never sticks out. It is needed solely for swallowing food.

A tail is present in almost all representatives of the species. In times of danger, the animal hides it under its shell. Sometimes the tail ends in a spike.

Reptiles have colored vision. It helps them when searching for food. Hearing is well developed. Thanks to him, the animal hears the appearance of the enemy.

Molting is typical for turtles. In land species, it slightly affects the skin. A small amount of transparent scutes peels off from the shell.

At unfavorable conditions: In drought or frost, turtles hibernate. Its duration sometimes reaches up to six months.

Dimensions

The weight and dimensions of the animal vary depending on the species. The weight of the largest representatives sometimes reaches 890 kg, and their size is often over 2.6 meters. The smallest turtles have a mass of no more than 126 g and a length of up to 11 cm.

How long does a land turtle live?

In freedom, the reptile can live up to 200 years. But on average they live about 20-30 years.

Gender

Animals have poorly developed sexual dimorphism. Therefore, determining their identity can be extremely difficult. However, if you look closely at behavioral characteristics and the structure of reptiles, it is possible to find out:

• the shell is elongated in the female;
• The plaston is concave in males and flat in females - this makes the mating process easier;
• The tail of males is thicker, often curved downwards;
• The cloaca in females is located closer to the end of the tail, looks like an asterisk, and in males it looks like a slit;
• boys have a V-shaped notch next to the tail;
• males are distinguished by their aggressiveness not only towards perceived rivals, but also towards females. They chase the partner, nodding their heads and biting her.

Animal Species

Based on the way reptiles climb into their shells when in danger, two suborders are distinguished:

• Side-necked. The head is hidden in the direction of one of the paws.
• Hiddencervical. The neck is folded in an S-shape.

Experts identify several varieties of turtles living on land:

• Elephant (Galapagos). The weight of the animal sometimes reaches 390 kg, length 1.8 meters. The size of reptiles depends on climatic conditions a habitat. In arid areas, the shell is saddle-shaped and the limbs are long. In areas with high humidity, the carapace is dome-shaped.

• Egyptian. The smallest turtle. The size of males is no more than 12 cm. Females are larger. The shell has a brownish tint. Habitat: Middle East.

• Land Central Asian tortoise. Body about 19 cm. Carapace yellow with spots, round. The forelimbs have four toes. This is the most popular type for home maintenance. The land turtle lives up to 49 years. Habitat: India, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan. Due to capture for sale, the population has practically disappeared.

• Panther. The length of the animal's shell is more than 0.8 m, weight is about 49 kg. The carapace is dome-shaped and tall. Its color is yellow-sandy. Young turtles have a clearly visible dark brown spotted pattern. As the animal grows, it disappears. Habitat: Africa.

• Speckled Cape. The smallest turtle on Earth. The size of the shell is no more than 9 cm, weight from 96 to 164 grams. Lives in Namibia and South Africa.

Turtles live everywhere. The exceptions are: Greenland, Antarctica, Arctic, New Zealand.

What does he eat in the wild? The basis of nutrition - plant food. To maintain the required protein balance, animals eat small insects and snails. Reptiles obtain the necessary moisture from succulent plants, but if there is a source of water, they never miss the opportunity to drink it.

Representatives box turtles are eating poisonous mushrooms. This makes their meat inedible.

Reproduction in reptiles occurs in different time. It depends on the location and type of animal. But all members of the class have similar traits. For the right to fertilize a female, males enter into battle with each other. Land turtles try to turn over or force their opponent to retreat by striking them with their shells. After the competitor leaves the battlefield, the winning male begins courtship. At the same time, he tries to ensure that the female takes the best position for mating.

To attract a mate, the male strokes her face with his limbs or sings.

Females dig holes in the sand to lay eggs. They also often use crocodile nests or their own burrows. The masonry is securely covered with soil from above, and then compacted with light blows of the shell.

The surface of the eggs is covered with a leathery membrane or shell. There are up to 190 of them in the clutch. The incubation period is 91 days. The female lays several clutches during the mating season.

Turtles are solitary reptiles. They look for a mate only during the mating period.

Keeping at home

Today it is one of the most popular pets. Maintaining and caring for them takes little time. These animals are unpretentious, so even children can keep an eye on them. When choosing pet, it should be borne in mind that some species are capable of reaching very large sizes.

To create optimal conditions For the life of an animal, you need to purchase terrariums or aquariums equipped in a certain way. They can create a microclimate that will best suit the animal. Two thermometers are installed where the reptile will live. They are needed to control temperature. For safety reasons, alcohol devices are used.

A land turtle at home needs daily water treatments. Bath the animal in warm water. A small amount is added to it baking soda. The procedure is needed to remove soil and food debris from the body.

A land turtle at home cannot sharpen its claws on its own. Therefore, they must be periodically shortened with a nail file.

In winter, animals lack sun. To replenish vitamin D in the body, turtles need to be irradiated with a quartz lamp. It is important to ensure that the rays from it do not reach the eyes of animals.

The domestic land turtle loves to dig holes. To make the animal feel comfortable in the terrarium, soil should be poured onto its bottom. It is better not to use sand for these purposes, as the reptile often swallows it, which can cause intestinal blockage. The soil should be moist. Only in this case will the domestic turtle be able to dig a hole for itself. Smooth, medium-sized stones should also be placed at the bottom of the terrarium. The house serves as a shelter for the animal. You can buy it at a pet store or make it yourself. There should be a container of water in the aquarium.

The domestic land turtle is a territorial animal. This should be taken into account when placing two individuals in one terrarium.

What does it eat in captivity? The best products experts believe:

• dandelions;
• vegetables;
• greenery;
• snails;
• earthworms;
• grass;
• strawberry.

All food must be cut into small pieces. A turtle eats from a shallow large saucer.

Interesting facts about the land turtle

- one of the oldest inhabitants of the Earth. Their unique nature has allowed them to survive in difficult conditions, preserve your identity. There are interesting facts about these animals:

• The sex of future offspring depends on the ambient temperature. If incubation period When it is cool, males hatch, and when it is warm, females hatch.
• An amazing event happened at the Dnepropetrovsk museum that amazed all its employees. The exhibit eggs lay on the shelves for a long period, and in 2013 turtles hatched from them.
• Some states have images of these reptiles in their heraldry.
• Turtles almost never harm humans. But during mating, caimans sometimes mistake people for rivals and attack. Leatherback turtles sometimes confuse swimmers with females, swim up to them, grab them with flippers and drag them under water.
• Animal meat is considered a delicacy. It is subjected to heat treatment and eaten raw.
• Expensive, beautiful accessories are cut from the shell to decorate women's hairstyles.

Land turtles are amazing animals, among which there are both giants, reaching a length of about a meter, and pygmies, measuring no more than 9 cm. The behavioral features of these reptiles have won the hearts of people. Pet turtle- a kind of silent pet that does not cause almost any trouble to its owner.

Turtles are funny reptiles that differ from other reptiles by having a strong, permanent shell. This species is the oldest on the planet; scientists claim that such animals existed long before the appearance of the first people. In their natural habitat, these reptiles can be found in the tropics and temperate latitudes.

Currently on Earth More than three hundred species of turtles have been recorded. IN Lately these animals are of interest not only to scientists and researchers, but also to ordinary people who are thinking about what kind of pet to get.

All about turtles: description and characteristics

A turtle can be easily recognized by the protective covering of its body - its shell. It serves the animal for protection from predators and external dangers. The upper part of a turtle's shell is called the carapace. The lower part covering the abdomen is the plastron. The strength of this protective frame is very great; it can withstand a weight exceeding the weight of a turtle by two hundred times.

Back of the shell, more precisely, the carapace, is formed from two layers.

1. Inner layer. It consists of bone plates. There are several species of turtles in which the bony plates are covered with skin.
2. Outer layer formed from horny scutes.

The plastron consists of ossified and fused:

• Clavicle.
• Abdominal ribs.
• The bones that form the anterior wall of the chest.

Among a large number various types turtles there are individuals from small sizes to very huge ones. For example, in nature there are giants weighing more than a ton and long shell more than three meters. There are also baby turtles weighing one hundred grams and a carapace size of only ten centimeters.

Head

Most species nature she prudently gave it a medium-sized and streamlined head, so that the turtle could easily hide it in its shell when danger appeared. But some turtles do not have this opportunity, since they have too large a head and it simply does not fit into the “turtle house”.

In land turtles, due to the peculiarities of their way of life, their gaze is directed to the ground. In aquatic representatives of the species, the opposite is true; their eyes are located close to the top of the head and look up and forward. Most turtles have a short, thick neck, but there are breeds that have thin and long necks.

Limbs

All turtle species have four legs. Their structure and appearance directly depend on the turtle’s lifestyle.

Almost all species of turtles have a tail. It usually thickens at the base and becomes thinner towards the tip. The tip may end in a spike.

Developed color vision helps these animals in searching for food; with the help of fine hearing, they can hear the approach of danger from afar.

Like many reptiles, turtles molt several times a year. Transparent thin shields and skin from the neck and paws come off their shell.

In their natural environment, turtles can live one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty years. When cold weather or summer drought sets in, these animals go into hibernation, which can last more than six months.

Does a turtle have teeth?

Does a turtle have teeth? This question has arisen for almost all lovers of these animals.

Ancient prehistoric turtles that lived about two hundred million years ago had real and quite sharp teeth. Unlike the ancient ancestors, modern views devoid of teeth. They are helped to bite and grind food by a unique strong beak, which ends with the turtle’s muzzle. Its surface is covered with roughness and irregularities, which are what replace teeth.

The absence of teeth does not prevent turtles from biting very painfully. In predators the beak is very sharp, in herbivores it has jagged edges.

How to determine gender?

Turtles do not have distinct sexual characteristics, so it can be difficult to determine which group they belong to. applies to your pet: to boys or girls. But if you approach this issue seriously, monitor the behavior of the animal and carefully get to know it appearance, then determining the gender of this entertaining exotic species will not be difficult.

Types of land turtles

On this moment Three hundred and twenty-eight species of turtles have been recorded. Species are also divided into fourteen families.

According to the method of retracting the head into the shell, these animals are divided into two groups:

• Side-necked. The shelled head rests near one of the forelimbs.
• Hiddencervical. The head is hidden in the shell when the neck is folded in the shape of the letter S.

Turtles are also classified depending on their habitat:

• Marine species (living in the seas and oceans).
• Terrestrial species (representatives of this species live on land or in fresh water bodies). *Land *Freshwater.

Cape spotted turtle

Homopus Signatus or Cape Speckled Tortoise in Latin. Lives in Republic of South Africa and in southern Namibia. It is considered the smallest turtle in the world, the length of its shell does not exceed ten centimeters, and its weight rarely reaches two hundred grams.

Testudo (Agrionemys) horsfieldii or Central Asian tortoise. Is one of the most popular types reptiles that are chosen as pets. If you still don’t have this cute and smart animal, maybe you should get one?

It lives in the north-west of Pakistan, in the central part of Central Asia, in the north-east of Iran and India. At home, the Central Asian tortoise can live for forty to fifty years, does not require special care and is not difficult to maintain.

She has four toes on her front paws with strong claws. The carapace is round, yellowish in color with dark spots, mostly brown or black. It is a small species with a carapace length of up to twenty centimeters.

Leopard or panther tortoise

The leopard or panther tortoise is called Geochelone pardalis in Latin. Lives in Africa. The panther tortoise has a tall, dome-shaped shell, seventy centimeters or more in length, with a sandy or yellowish color. Juveniles have a dark pattern on the carapace, which disappears with age.

The weight of a representative of this species can reach fifty kilograms.

Egyptian tortoise

Egyptian tortoise or Testudo kleinmanni- one of the smallest species among its land counterparts. Lives in northern Africa and the Middle East. The length of the shell rarely reaches ten centimeters; females are larger than males. The color of the carapace of the Egyptian tortoise is brown with a yellow tint, the horny plates have a dark brown or black border.

Galapagos elephant tortoise

Galapagos elephant tortoise or translated into Latin Chelonoidis elephantopus. Size elephant turtle and the shape of its shell directly depends on its habitat. Individuals living in humid climatic zones, have a large dome-shaped shell and their size exceeds their counterparts living in arid regions. The length of the carapace of such turtles often reaches two meters, and the weight exceeds four hundred kilograms.

Residents of arid regions have a saddle-shaped shell and thin elongated limbs. Turtles of this species live, as you might guess from their name, on the Galapagos Islands.