Yellow-headed tortoise
I.U.C.N status
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Identity card
Vegetables, fruits, leaves, earthworms, larvae and slugs.
Did you know?
During the breeding season, the nasal and ocular areas of both sexes temporarily take on a pinkish hue. The male, particularly persistent, relentlessly pursues the female, inflicting violent shell blows when she stops running. These impacts can sometimes cause localised injuries to the rear part of the female’s shell.
Threats and conservation
The yellow-headed tortoise is threatened by excessive hunting, particularly for its shell, which is prized for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. The illegal pet trade, coupled with the destruction of its natural habitat due to deforestation, contributes to its decline. Conservation programmes are in place to strengthen its legal protection and combat trafficking.
