Fighting Extinction #2 - Egyptian Tortoise, the Smallest Tortoise in Northern Hemisphere

Testudo Kleinmann, often known as Egyptian tortoise, is a critically endangered species. It is the smallest tortoise in the northern hemisphere, females larger than males. The desert-living tortoise is regconized for its high-domes, golden colored shell, which provide good camouflage for the species in desert habitats.

They become sexually mature about 10-20 years of age, the females lay their eggs in shallow bowls beneath bushes which will hatch in approximately 3-4 months time. Each reproduction cycle will give rise to 1-5 eggs. The new hatchlings are very small in sizes and can grow up to 15cm with a weight of 500grams, they can live up to 50 years.

Source: Click here

Source: Click here

The species was once found in Egypt, and now, the Egyptian tortoises are close to complete extinction there. Other than destruction of their natural habitats due to human activities, illegal traders poise another great danger to the species. Egyptian tortoise is classified under critically endangered species currently, more efforts have to be put in to prevent the slow-maturing species with few off-springs from subsequent extinction that might follow.