BELL'S HINGEBACK TORTOISE
(Kinixys belliana)
| Description: | The Bell’s hingeback tortoise is a medium sized species of tortoise, reaching a maximum shell length of around 8 inches. Their name derives from the moveable hinge that they possess at the base of the top part of their shell. This hinge allows them to completely tuck away their hind legs and tail when threatened. The shell of the Bell’s hingeback tortoise is typically yellow with brown or black markings. | Habitat & Distribution: | The Bell’s hingeback tortoise is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in woodlands, savannah, scrubland and dry bush regions. |
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| Diet: | A variety of vegetation, fruit, fungi and small invertebrates. |
| Conservation Status: | Not evaluated. |
| Did you know? |
The hinge on this tortoise’s shell, which gives it its name, is unique to only 4 species of tortoises in the world! The Bell’s hingeback tortoise is actively hunted for food and traditional medicine throughout its range and is especially popular in Nigeria. During the breeding season, females will excavate a hole where she will lay up to 45 eggs over the breeding season. Only around 10 eggs are laid at a time. When they hatch, the young tortoises are only 1.5 inches long! |
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