16 Tortoise Facts About The Slow Reptiles

With their sturdy shells and slow pace, tortoises have a rich history. They have been around for over 200 million years, making them one of the oldest reptile groups on Earth. This list of amazing tortoise facts provides loads of intriguing information about these slow reptiles.

For example, a tortoise's shell offers insights into its health and life experiences, and despite their reputation for solitude, tortoises can recognize members of their species.

Want to learn about other slow reptiles? Dive into amazing turtle facts and learn about sea turtles, the nomads of the oceans.

16 Fun Tortoise Facts

1. They are among the oldest reptiles on Earth.

Often referred to as terrestrial turtles, tortoises belong to the Chelonii or Testudines group, which distinguishes them from other reptiles by their characteristic bony or cartilaginous shells.

First on our list of tortoise facts is their outstanding age. Tortoises are ancient reptiles belonging to the Testudines group, along with all turtles. They have existed for millions of years, even alongside dinosaurs.

These reptiles have sturdy bodies, powerful legs, and iconic shells, which have remained unchanged. One incredible species, Proganochelys quested, dates back around 220 million years during the Triassic Period, making it the oldest known tortoise ever.

2. There are 49 tortoise species.

There are around 49 recognized species of tortoises found across different regions worldwide. These regions include the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Asia, North America, and other parts of the world. Each species of tortoise has its unique traits and preferred habitats.

For example, the Galapagos Tortoise is famous for its large size and long lifespan and is exclusively found in the Galapagos Islands. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise, native to Seychelles, is known for its massive size and calm nature, with male tortoises larger than females.

Another notable species is the Indian Star Tortoise, which displays star-like patterns on its shell. Unfortunately, this species is facing threats from habitat loss and illegal collection.

3. Tortoises have many names.

Tortoises go by different names that highlight their habitats and characteristics. The term "tortoise" is commonly used for land-dwelling species, while in the United States, they may be referred to as "land turtles" to emphasize their preference for land over water.

In scientific classification, tortoises belong to the family Testudinidae, which encompasses over 40 species worldwide. Another name, "terrapins," originated from Algonquian roots and is used for comfortable tortoises on land and in swampy waters.

Each tortoise species has a name that reflects something special about them. For example, other tortoises, like the Gopher Tortoise, are named for their burrowing habits, while the Desert Tortoise prefers dry habitats.

4. They are slow and don't like company.

Most tortoise species are slow because of their low metabolic rate, which allows them to sustain prolonged activity without constant feeding³. Surprisingly, this deliberate pace grants them agility, enabling them to navigate challenging terrains, climb, dig, and even swim.

Tortoises are solitary creatures, preferring their own company over group settings. They establish and fiercely guard their territories, emphasizing their independence. Within these spaces, they spend most of their day engaging in essential activities like foraging for food.

For tortoises, finding sustenance is akin to a challenging journey to a supermarket, often taking hours. However, their unhurried approach belies their remarkable memory and impeccable sense of direction.

Related read: Slowest Animals in the World.

5. Tortoises live in diverse habitats.

Most tortoises have found homes in various environments across every continent except Antarctica. Species like the Gopher Tortoise and Mojave Desert Tortoise showcase remarkable adaptability, thriving in arid and blistering desert conditions where many other creatures struggle.

Furthermore, the Desert Tortoise constructs burrows to escape extreme temperatures, and the African-spurred tortoise inhabits the Sahara desert's southern edge.

On the Galapagos Islands, you'll encounter the Galapagos Tortoises, a heavyweight champion that prefers grasslands, swamps, and highland forests. The giant tortoise leisurely explores grasslands and mangrove swamps in the Aldabra Atoll's tropical paradise.

In contrast, the Russian Tortoise from Central Asia has well-adapted to their harsh environments. People often keep them as pets due to their manageable size and hardy nature.

6. Turtles and tortoises are entirely different species.

Both reptiles belong to the same family but have distinct differences. Firstly, their habitat and lifestyle vary significantly. Tortoises are primarily land-dwelling reptiles and adapted to terrestrial lifestyles.

They have sturdy legs and feet with thick, elephantine-like skin on their limbs, enabling them to navigate rugged terrains and dig burrows.

On the other hand, most turtles are aquatic or semi-aquatic creatures well-suited for life in water. Aquatic turtles have streamlined bodies, webbed feet or flippers, and streamlined shell that allows them to swim gracefully through their watery habitats.

Tortoises possess high-domed shells, facilitating efficient swimming and maneuvering through the water. Turtles have a flatter and more streamlined shell, enabling efficient swimming and maneuvering through the water.

Read more: Tortoise vs Turtle.

7. Tortoises are herbivores.

Tortoises enjoy a diverse menu of plants. Some, like the Desert Tortoise, even eat cacti. While pet tortoises eat leafy greens, flowers, and fruits. 

8. Temperature determines the sex of baby tortoises.

Female tortoises lay eggs in their burrows. They choose the nesting site that can provide a safe environment for their potential hatchlings.

These burrows are located underground so that the eggs are well-protected from predators. As the eggs incubate, the sun not only aids in their development but also determines their gender.

Warmer temperatures result in female tortoise hatchlings, while cooler conditions produce males. Once the time comes, these resilient hatchlings emerge, equipped with strong survival instincts, ready to face the challenges ahead without parental guidance.

9. Young tortoises become independent right after hatching.

A newly hatched tortoise cracks its shell using a temporary tooth called a caruncle. These hatchlings spend months inside their soft shells before they grow into the armored creatures we know.

From the start, they face a challenging journey for survival. They rely on their instincts to find food without parental guidance, preferring leafy greens, fruits, and insects. Predators lurk, but these resilient hatchlings use their stealth and small size to navigate safely.

10. They have retractable heads, their bones fused to their shells.

Here are some surprising facts about tortoises. First, they can retract their heads and limbs into their shells.

Second, unlike a mere cover, a tortoise's shell is fused to its skeleton. This unique structure allows the tortoise to withdraw into its shell, providing a built-in shield against threats.

Interestingly, when a tortoise retreats into its shell, it undergoes physiological changes. For instance, its heart rate and blood pressure shift, helping it transform into a natural fortress. Some species even have defensive glands that can release an offensive liquid when threatened.

11. Most tortoise species can live for more than 100 years.

Tortoise facts reveal impressive longevity that most people are unaware of. Unlike most other reptiles, they can live beyond 150 years, making them some of the longest-living animals on Earth. The Aldabra giant tortoise, like the famous "Adwaita," holds the record, reaching an astounding age of 188 years.

Their exceptional lifespan stems from their unique biological and lifestyle characteristics. One key factor is their slow metabolism. As previously stated, this slow metabolic rate enables them to endure food scarcity periods, a survival trait that sets them apart from other species.

Another interesting aspect is their late sexual maturity. Tortoises reach sexual maturity after 15 to 20 years, which may seem lengthy and disadvantageous from an evolutionary perspective. However, this delayed maturation, also a function of size, contributes to their extended lifespan.

As such, if you're considering a pet tortoise, know they will likely be with you for a long time!

12. Their shells are sensitive.

A tortoise shell functions like a suit of armor, comprising approximately 60 bones. This hard shell grows with the tortoise, from hatchling to adulthood. The shell features hard plates called scutes, made of keratin. Contrary to popular belief, a tortoise cannot crawl out of its shell. The shell is integral to the tortoise's body.

Moreover, tortoise shells are sensitive. Nerves extend from the tortoise's body into the shell, allowing it to feel everything that touches it. This sensitivity is essential for the tortoise's survival, enabling it to interact with its environment and sense potential danger.

Similar to assessing someone's health by examining their skin, a tortoise's shell can indicate its well-being. Changes in the shell, such as shell rot, abnormal growth patterns, or pyramiding, can indicate health issues or inadequate care.

13. They drink through their noses.

Despite the challenge of finding water, these resilient creatures have evolved unique techniques to ensure their survival. They rely on the moisture-rich plants that grow in their arid homes, extracting every drop of water and nutrients.

One fascinating adaptation is their ability to absorb water through their nostrils, known as 'nasal drinking.' Instead of using their mouths, tortoises dip their heads into puddles, allowing the water to be drawn directly into their system. 

14. There are a lot of misconceptions about their speed.

Tortoises are slow, but each tortoise species has its own speed range. On land, they walk at an average speed of 0.13 to 0.3 miles per hour. While it may seem leisurely, consider the challenge of carrying their heavy shells across rocky terrain. Their pace becomes a testament to their power and determination¹.

Surprisingly, some tortoise species can swim up to 1 mile per hour in the water. This aquatic acceleration gives them an advantage in environments with bodies of water, expanding their habitat possibilities.

During the mating season, tortoises kick it up a notch, increasing their speed when pursuing potential mates. So, while tortoises may not be speed demons, their pace is ideally suited to their survival, environment, and unique way of life.

15. They disperse seeds.

Tortoises have an essential role as seed dispersers. While they explore their habitats and eat various plants, they unknowingly help spread seeds². These seeds travel through their digestive system and are deposited in new locations, aiding the spread of different plant species.

The seeds are softened inside the tortoise's digestive system, preparing them for successful growth once released into the soil. For example, the Aldabran giant tortoises aid in the seed dispersal of 28 species of grasses, herbs, and woody plants.

However, not all plants benefit equally from this seed dispersal. It depends on the species and the fruits they eat. 

16. Some tortoise species are vulnerable and endangered.

Finally, in our list of tortoise facts, we explore their conservation status, with some tortoise species being vulnerable and endangered.

Tortoises are a diverse group of species, and their conservation statuses vary. Some notable examples include the Galapagos Tortoise, which is "Vulnerable" due to habitat loss and exploitation (check out the Galapagos Conservation Trust for more information and ways to help). Some species, like the Geometric Tortoise, are classified as "Endangered."

The Radiated Tortoise, Burmese Star Tortoise, Angonoka Tortoise, and Egyptian Tortoise are classified as "Critically Endangered" due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the illegal pet trade.

The Pancake Tortoise is "Near Threatened" due to habitat loss and collection for the pet trade. This crisis is compounded by the tortoises' slow growth and long gestation periods, making their recovery challenging and time-consuming.

Conservation efforts are also underway to protect the critically endangered spider tortoise. These include habitat conservation initiatives, educational programs, and breeding efforts in captivity. The impact goes beyond individual species; tortoises play a vital role as ecosystem engineers, and their decline can have far-reaching effects on biodiversity.

Related: To further explore the animal kingdom, check out some of the other animals that start with T.