Psammobates oculifer (Serrated Tortoise)
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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.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Psammobates
Species: Psammobates oculifer
Common Names
Serrated Tortoise
Serrated Tent Tortoise
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Identification
Description
The serrated tortoise has a domed, yellowish to brown carapace with distinct serrations at the rear edge. These serrations give it a saw-like appearance. The shell may have dark markings. It’s small, usually around 10–15 cm in length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are typically smaller with a longer tail and a more concave plastron. Females tend to be larger and rounder.
Check more turtles from the Psammobates genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is native to southern Africa, mainly found in Botswana, South Africa, and parts of Namibia. It prefers dry, open areas like savannas and arid grasslands.
Preferred Habitat
Serrated tortoises live in hot, dry habitats with sandy or rocky soil. They are usually found in areas with sparse shrubs or grasses, where they can hide under vegetation or in burrows during extreme heat.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, herbs, and succulents. They prefer soft, water-rich plants when available.
Predators
Their main predators include birds of prey, jackals, and monitor lizards. Humans also pose a threat due to habitat destruction and collection.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating usually happens after the rainy season when food is more available. This can vary by region but typically falls between spring and early summer.
Reproductive Method
They lay small clutches of eggs, usually 1–3 eggs per nest. Females bury the eggs in shallow nests dug into sandy soil. Hatchlings emerge months later, often timed with the start of the rainy season.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Psammobates oculifer is currently listed as Near Threatened.
Threats
Main threats include habitat loss due to farming and urban expansion, illegal collection for the pet trade, and road mortality.
Conservation Measures
Protected under various national laws in southern Africa. Efforts include habitat protection and regulating trade. Public education is also helping reduce illegal collection.
Economic Importance
This species has no major commercial use. In the past, some have been taken for the exotic pet trade, but this is now restricted. Their presence can support eco-tourism in protected areas.
Interesting Facts
The serrated shell edge helps with camouflage in grass and under shrubs.
They are extremely shy and often stay hidden during the heat of the day.
Unlike many tortoises, they rely on rainfall for food and activity, making them highly seasonal in behavior.
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.
