Kinixys belliana (Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise)

Kinixys belliana, commonly known as Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise, is a unique species native to sub-Saharan Africa. Distinguished by a hinged section at the rear of its carapace, this tortoise can close its shell to protect itself from predators, a feature not common in most tortoise species.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Testudinidae
• Genus: Kinixys
• Species: Kinixys belliana

Common Names

• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise
• Bell’s Tortoise
• Hinge-back Tortoise

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.

Identification

Description

Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise has an elongated carapace with a distinctive hinge at the rear, allowing it to close off the back portion of its shell. The carapace is typically brown to yellowish-brown with darker markings, while the plastron (underside) is lighter. They have sturdy, scaly limbs adapted for terrestrial life.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are generally smaller than females and possess a longer, thicker tail. The plastron of males is slightly concave to facilitate mating, whereas females have a flatter plastron.

Check more turtles from the Kinixys genus

Kinixys zombensis (Eastern Hinged-Back Tortoise)

Kinixys spekii (Speke’s Hinge-back Tortoise)

Kinixys nogueyi (Western Hinge-back Tortoise)

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found in countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and down to South Africa.

Preferred Habitat

Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise inhabits a variety of environments, including savannas, woodlands, and grasslands. They prefer areas with ample vegetation for cover and forage, and they are adaptable to both dry and moist habitats.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Primarily herbivorous, their diet consists of grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers. Occasionally, they may consume insects or carrion, making them opportunistic feeders.

Predators

Natural predators include birds of prey, large mammals, and reptiles. Humans also pose a significant threat through hunting and habitat destruction.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season when food resources are abundant, which varies regionally but often falls between October and March.

Reproductive Method

Females lay 2 to 6 eggs per clutch in shallow nests dug into the ground. The incubation period ranges from 90 to 150 days, depending on environmental conditions.

Conservation

Extinction Status

As of the latest assessments, Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoise is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Threats

• Habitat Loss: Due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, and urban development.
• Illegal Trade: Over-collection for the international pet trade.
• Hunting: For local consumption and traditional medicine.

Conservation Measures

• Legal Protection: Listed under CITES Appendix II, regulating international trade.
• Habitat Conservation: Establishment of protected areas and reserves.
• Breeding Programs: Captive breeding initiatives to bolster wild populations.

Economic Importance

While they have minimal economic impact, they are part of the pet trade and can contribute to local economies through ecotourism.

Interesting Facts

• The hinge mechanism allows the tortoise to protect its hind limbs and tail by closing the rear of its shell.
• They can emit vocalizations during mating rituals, which is relatively uncommon among tortoises.
• Bell’s Hinge-back Tortoises may aestivate during extreme dry conditions to conserve water and energy.

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.