Brown Tortoise
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Identity card
Grass, fruits, vegetables, leaves, small invertebrates and amphibians.
Did you know?
The brown tortoise is the largest tortoise in Indonesia and the fourth largest in the world. Females dig a nest in a mound to lay their eggs. The brown tortoise is one of the few to remain close to its eggs after laying. During the first three weeks of incubation, it guards its nest, protecting its eggs from intruders that could potentially be dangerous to its offspring.
Threats and conservation
The brown tortoise is threatened by hunting, the pet trade and deforestation. These factors have led to a rapid decline in its populations. It is exploited for food, traditional medicine and as a pet. Conservation programmes, including captive breeding efforts and initiatives to protect its habitat, are in place.
