Bell's hinge-back tortoise
ExploreReptiles
Bell's hinge-back tortoise
Kinixys belliana
Bell's hinge-back tortoise is a special turtle that can hide inside its shell! It has a unique hinge on its back that lets it close up tight when it feels scared. These tortoises are gentle and love to munch on plants.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Bell's hinge-back tortoise has an elongated, somewhat flattened shell that is usually yellow-brown to dark brown, often with radiating black patterns. Its most distinguishing feature is a unique hinge on the rear of its upper shell (carapace), allowing it to move that section. The skin is yellowish-brown, sometimes speckled.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyTestudinidaeGenusKinixys
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Bell's hinge-back tortoises can drink water by sucking it up through their nostrils!
Its shell looks like a puzzle with unique patterns that vary greatly between individuals!
They are one of the most widespread tortoises in Africa, living in many different habitats.
This tortoise helps plant new trees by spreading seeds from the fruits it eats.
Special abilities
Ability
Shell Shield Closure
Bell's hinge-back tortoise can pull down the rear of its shell using a special hinge, protecting its back legs and tail.
Ability
Savanna Camouflage
Bell's hinge-back tortoise has a varied shell pattern that helps them blend perfectly into dry grasses and leafy environments.
Ability
Underground Napping
Bell's hinge-back tortoise can burrow into the ground to estivate, helping them survive long periods of drought.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-22.5 cm
- Weight
- 1-2 kg
- Lifespan
- 20-70 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-5
- Incubation
- 90-180 days
Diet & Feeding
They munch on plants, tasty fruits, and even tiny insects to stay healthy!
Primary Foods
- Grasses
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Mushrooms
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Tawny Eagle
Aquila rapax
Juveniles are prey for large birds of prey.
eaten by
Nile Monitor
Varanus niloticus
Eggs and young tortoises can be hunted.
eats
Sycamore Fig
Ficus sycomorus
Feeds on fallen fruits and leaves.
eats
Termite Mushroom
Termitomyces schimperi
Known to eat various fungi species.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch from a distance and never touch wild tortoises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Bell's hinge-back tortoise?
15-22.5 cm
How much does Bell's hinge-back tortoise weigh?
1-2 kg
How long does Bell's hinge-back tortoise live?
20-70 years
How fast can Bell's hinge-back tortoise move?
0.5 km/h
What does Bell's hinge-back tortoise eat?
They munch on plants, tasty fruits, and even tiny insects to stay healthy!
Where is Bell's hinge-back tortoise usually found?
Forests
How does Bell's hinge-back tortoise hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Bell's hinge-back tortoise lay?
1-5
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