Tortoise Fun Facts

The desert tortoise, a fascinating creature native to the Mojave Desert, is quite impressively large for a land-dwelling turtle. These tortoises are a marvel of nature, with some reaching lengths of 15 inches and weights of 15 pounds. Desert tortoises exhibit intriguing growth patterns. They are restricted to the arid, thorn-scrub landscapes of the southwestern […]

Telling the age of a tortoise can be a complex task. There is a common misconception about the ability to tell the exact age of a tortoise by counting the scute rings on its shell. Unfortunately, this method does not provide the exact age of a tortoise. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the age

An intriguing question many ask is, how long do Russian tortoises live? The answer is quite fascinating. Captive Russian tortoises can live more than 40-50 years on average. Some can even live as long as 100 years. This makes pet tortoises a lifetime commitment for their owners. It’s not unusual for these tortoises to outlive

The Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spurred tortoise, is the third largest species of tortoise in the world. As a unique and peculiar member of the tortoise family, potential owners often wonder just how big a pet Sulcata tortoise can get. The size of a healthy Sulcata tortoise can vary greatly depending on

As hatchlings, Russian tortoises are typically just one inch! But when they hit the big leagues of adulthood, they can range between eight and ten inches. However, you have to remember that just like in humans, ladies and gents differ in size. Female Russian tortoises are often larger, while males can exceed five inches in

You might not know that turtles, those chilled-out reptiles that look like they’re carrying their homes on their backs, don’t breathe the same way as us humans. In fact, they’ve got this whole other fascinating system going on. Ready to get down to the nitty-gritty of turtle breathe-work? Strap in and join the ride. How

The question of whether turtles hibernate is far from a simple yes or no. Just as humans prepare to bundle up when the chilly winter season rolls in, the same goes for our shelled friends. Indeed, these creatures appear to sleep a lot in the colder months, just like some of us when it’s too

You know that big, old, slow critter with the even slower reputation? Yes, the turtle. One question that’s stumped many folks is, “Is a turtle a reptile or an amphibian?” The answer, plainly put, is that a turtle is indeed a reptile, and it has more in common with crocodiles, lizards, and snakes than with

The world of turtles is truly fascinating, filled with unique characters claiming their own special corner of the animal kingdom. Among these shelled wonders is the musk turtle, also known as the Sternotherus odoratus. Not your average garden-variety turtle, this fellow comes with its own unique set of characteristics that set it apart. This guide

As members of the Chelonian reptile family, turtles, tortoises and terrapins are related. The difference between tortoises and turtles is that tortoises are herbivores that live on land while turtles are omnivores that live in the sea. Terrapins are one type of small turtle that lives in brackish water.