Psammobates tentorius (Tent Tortoise)
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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.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae
Genus: Psammobates
Species: Psammobates tentorius
Common Names
Tent tortoise
Star tortoise of South Africa
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Identification
Description
Tent tortoises have a steep, high-domed shell shaped like a tent, with black and yellow radiating patterns. This pattern helps them blend into dry grasslands and shrubs. Adults typically measure between 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) in length.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are usually smaller and have longer tails with a concave plastron. Females are bigger with a flatter plastron and shorter tails.
Check more turtles from the Psammobates genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
They are found in South Africa, Namibia, and southwestern Botswana. Three subspecies exist, each tied to a specific region.
Preferred Habitat
They live in dry areas like arid savannas, scrublands, and rocky outcrops. They need areas with sandy soil, dry grasses, and access to shelter under bushes or rocks.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
They are herbivores. They eat grasses, wildflowers, succulents, and leaves. After rains, they are more active and graze more often.
Predators
They are hunted by jackals, mongooses, birds of prey, and humans. Their shell offers protection, but not against determined predators.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating usually takes place in spring and early summer, depending on local rainfall.
Reproductive Method
They lay 1–4 eggs per clutch, often in sandy soil. Females may lay several clutches in a year. Hatchlings are very small and vulnerable.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Psammobates tentorius is listed as Near Threatened, though status can vary by subspecies and location.
Threats
Their biggest threats are habitat destruction, overgrazing by livestock, illegal pet trade, and road mortality.
Conservation Measures
Protected under national laws in South Africa. Several reserves protect their habitat. Education programs aim to reduce illegal collection.
Economic Importance
They have no major economic use but are sometimes illegally sold as exotic pets. In the wild, they help control vegetation by grazing.
Interesting Facts
- Their shell pattern works as camouflage in dappled sunlight.
- They are one of the smallest tortoises in Africa.
- When threatened, they often hide and stay completely still rather than run.
- Some individuals may live over 40 years in the wild.
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.
