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Genus: Psammobates

Psammobates is a small genus of tortoises native to southern Africa. These tortoises are known for their striking, high-domed shells with bold star or radiating patterns. They are well adapted to dry, arid regions and tend to be shy, often hiding under bushes or burrowing into the sand to avoid heat.

  • Psammobates tentorius (Tent Tortoise)

    Psammobates tentorius, known as the tent tortoise, is a small, shy tortoise native to southern Africa. Its name comes from the tent-like shape of its high-domed shell, marked with beautiful star patterns. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: PsammobatesSpecies: Psammobates tentorius Common Names Tent tortoiseStar tortoise of South Africa Identification DescriptionTent tortoises have…

  • Psammobates oculifer (Serrated Tortoise)

    Psammobates oculifer, also known as the serrated tortoise, is a small, dryland tortoise found in southern Africa. It’s recognized for its unique shell edge, which looks jagged or saw-like. This species is shy, slow-moving, and highly adapted to arid environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: PsammobatesSpecies: Psammobates oculifer Common Names Serrated TortoiseSerrated…

  • Psammobates geometricus (Geometric Tortoise)

    Psammobates geometricus, also known as the geometric tortoise, is one of the most visually striking tortoise species on earth. It’s critically endangered and found only in a small part of South Africa. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: PsammobatesSpecies: Psammobates geometricus Common Names Geometric TortoiseGeometric Padloper Identification DescriptionThis tortoise has a small, domed…