ELONGATED TORTOISE
Class: Reptiles
Order: Testudinae
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Indotestudo
Species: Elongata
Geographic distribution: Southeast Asia
Habitat: Tropical rainforests, but also hot and dry areas
Size: 29 to 33 cm
Longevity: 40 years
Weight: 3 to 4 kg
Sexual maturity: Between 6 and 8 years
Incubation: 96 to 165 days
Egg laying: 1 to 10 eggs
Diet: Omnivorous, vegetables, fruits, leaves, earthworms, grubs, and slugs.
Protection status: IUCN status CR – Critically Endangered
Description
During the breeding season, the nasal and eye areas of both sexes take on a temporary pinkish hue. The male, particularly persistent, relentlessly chases the female, delivering forceful shell blows when she stops running. These impacts can sometimes cause localized injuries on the rear part of the female’s shell.
Threats and preservation
The elongated tortoise faces threats from excessive hunting, especially for its shell, which is prized for supposed aphrodisiac properties. The illegal pet trade, along with habitat destruction due to deforestation, also contributes to its decline. Conservation programs are inplace to strengthen its legal protection and combat trafficking, while also raising public awareness to limitil legal collection of this speciees.
