5 Super Rare Tortoise Species You Didn’t Know Existed
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Growing up, I thought tortoises were all slow-moving, shell-wearing creatures you’d see in a pet store or nature documentary.
But it turns out, there’s an entire hidden world of tortoise species so rare and unique they almost seem like mythical creatures.
Get ready to meet five tortoise species you’ve probably never even heard of—but won’t be able to forget.
5 Super Rare Tortoise Species
1. Ploughshare Tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora)
The Ploughshare Tortoise is like the unicorn of the tortoise world—rare, magical, and sadly, highly endangered.
Where They Live
They call the Baly Bay region of northwestern Madagascar home. Not exactly a big neighborhood!
Why They’re Rare
- Fewer than 300 exist in the wild.
- Illegal wildlife trade has put a target on their shells.
- Habitat loss is shrinking their already small turf.
What Makes Them Special
Their shell shines with a golden hue and has a unique “plough” shape at the bottom. It’s so stunning that poachers can’t resist, and that’s a big part of the problem.
Conservation Efforts
Madagascar is pulling out all the stops to save these beauties. Breeding programs and anti-poaching patrols are in full swing. It’s a race against time, but there’s hope.
2. Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus)
Have you ever seen a tortoise with a shell that looks like a work of modern art? The Geometric Tortoise is exactly that. It’s rare, stunning, and sadly in big trouble.
Where They Live
This little gem calls the Western Cape Province of South Africa home. But it doesn’t roam far—it lives in a super small area.
Why They’re Rare
The Geometric Tortoise has two major enemies:
- Farming: Humans keep turning their habitat into farmland.
- Wildfires: Flames can wipe out whole populations in one go.
Cool Features
- Their shell looks like it’s been painted with a ruler. Straight lines and triangles form intricate patterns.
- They’re small! Adults are about 5-6 inches, making them one of the tiniest tortoise species.
Conservation Efforts
There’s hope, though. Conservationists are protecting their habitat and keeping a close eye on wild populations.
Want to help? Support wildlife groups working in South Africa. Every little bit counts for this walking piece of art!
3. Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota)
The Burmese Star Tortoise is like a walking constellation. Its shell is covered with stunning star-like patterns that look hand-drawn by nature. This beauty isn’t just for show—it’s also why it’s in trouble.
Where They Live
- Found in the dry zones of Myanmar.
- Think sandy, arid habitats with sparse vegetation.
Why They’re Rare
At one point, people thought these tortoises were extinct in the wild! Thankfully, captive breeding programs brought them back. Still, they’re critically endangered because of:
- Poaching for the exotic pet trade
- Local consumption as food
Fun Fact
Their starry shell isn’t just gorgeous—it helps them camouflage in the wild. Nature’s version of a glitter cloak!
Conservation Wins
Reintroduction programs are bringing them back into their natural habitats. But they still need our help to stay safe. Avoid supporting the illegal pet trade, and spread the word about these star-studded creatures!
4. Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides)
I can’t help but admire the Spider Tortoise. It’s one of those species that looks straight out of a fantasy story. With its web-like shell, it’s like nature decided to doodle a masterpiece.
Where It Lives
- Found only in southwestern Madagascar
- Prefers sandy coastal areas and scrublands
Why It’s Rare
Spider Tortoises are critically endangered. They’ve lost so much of their habitat to farming and human activity. If that wasn’t bad enough, poaching for the pet trade has made things worse.
What Makes It Cool
- Their shell has a unique web pattern, giving them their name.
- They’re tiny! Most adults don’t grow bigger than 7 inches.
- They’re shy and prefer to stay hidden, which only adds to their mystique.
I first read about this species when I was researching unique pets (not to own—just curious!). I remember thinking, “Wow, a tortoise this cool must be invincible!” Turns out, it’s quite the opposite.
Conservation Efforts
Spider Tortoises are so rare that they’re no longer taken from the wild. Only captive-bred individuals are available for enthusiasts. That’s a good thing! It gives wild populations a chance to recover.
Fun Fact
When they feel threatened, they tuck their little legs under their shell and stay completely still. It’s like their version of “playing dead.”
If I ever make it to Madagascar, spotting one of these little guys would be a dream. For now, I’ll settle for appreciating them from afar—and rooting for their survival.
5. Forsten’s Tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii)
Forsten’s Tortoise is a hidden gem in the tortoise world. Native to the lush islands of Indonesia, this species is as rare as it is stunning. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling, and spotting one in the wild is almost impossible.
Where They Live
- Found in Indonesia, mainly on Sulawesi and nearby islands.
- They thrive in forests but are losing ground due to deforestation.
Why They’re Rare
- Habitat destruction is a big problem.
- Illegal trade also threatens their survival.
- Few are kept in captivity, making them even more elusive.
What Makes Them Cool
- They’re omnivorous and will eat anything from plants to insects.
- Their striking shell and curious personality make them unforgettable.
- I once saw a photo of one, and let me tell you, it had a “don’t mess with me” vibe.
Conservation Efforts
- Protecting their forest habitat is key.
- Stopping illegal trade can give them a fighting chance.
Forsten’s Tortoises remind me of those rare, out-of-print books—you know they exist, but finding one feels like winning a treasure hunt. If we don’t act, they might vanish entirely. Let’s do our part to protect these little wonders.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
