Chersobius boulengeri (Boulenger’s Cape tortoise)
Home > Turtle Database > Chersobius boulengeri (Boulenger’s Cape tortoise)
The Chersobius boulengeri, commonly known as Boulenger’s Cape tortoise, is one of the smallest tortoises in the world. It is distinguished by its unique adaptations and behaviors that enable it to thrive in a very specific habitat.
Check more turtles from the Chersobius genus
Native To These Regions
Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Testudinidae
- Genus: Chersobius
- Species: C. boulengeri
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
Common Names
- Boulenger’s Cape tortoise
- Karoo Dwarf tortoise
- Karoo padloper
Identification
- Description: This tortoise species has a highly domed shell with a pattern of dark and light brown colors. It typically measures less than 10 cm in length.
- Sexual Dimorphism: Females are generally larger than males and have a slightly more flattened carapace.
Native Origin and Distribution
- Geographical Range: Endemic to South Africa, specifically found in small areas within the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Preferred Habitat
Chersobius boulengeri prefers semi-arid, shrubby areas with sandy soil that allows for easy burrowing and access to its diet of succulent plants.
Behavior
- Feeding Habits: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of succulent plants and occasionally small insects.
- Predators: Natural predators include birds of prey and small mammals.
Reproduction
- Breeding Season: The breeding occurs during the spring and early summer.
- Reproductive Method: They are oviparous, with females laying small clutches of eggs that they bury in the soil.
Conservation
- Extinction Status: Listed as Vulnerable due to its limited range and declining population.
- Threats: Habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and climate change.
- Conservation Measures: Protection of habitat and implementation of breeding programs in conservation facilities.
Economic Importance
This species holds minimal economic importance directly; however, it contributes to ecotourism and educational programs emphasizing biodiversity and conservation.
Interesting Facts
Despite its small size, Chersobius boulengeri can be quite active and is known for its ability to survive long periods of drought by estivating.
Research Studies
For more in-depth information, you can refer to this research paper: Habitat Use by the Rock-Dwelling Karoo Dwarf Tortoise, Chersobius boulengeri .
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.
