All about turtles:

- The snake-eating box turtle(Cuora flavomarginata) is another Asiatic species, not to be confused with the American box turtles of the genus Terrapene.  The Cuora species are more aquatic by nature.

- The Amboina box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) can seal itself totally within its shell, possessing hinged areas on its plastron for this purpose.  It is semi-terrestrial in its habits, preferring to stay close to relatively shallow water.

- The leaf turtle (Cyclemys dentate) is clearly named because of its resemblance to a leaf.  Mature specimens can be nearly 25 cm (10 in) in length, and only then do they develop a hinge at the front of the plastron.

- The spiny turtle (Hosemys spinosa) is a native of South-East Asia, and can grow to be about 20 cm (8 in).  The function of the bizarrre spines is unclear, although they may make   it difficult for potential predators, such as snakes, to seize these turtles.

- Melanochelys trijuga  is a relatively dull-coloured chelonian, being predominantly brown or blackish in shell coloration.  Six distinctive races can be identified, with individuals growing to around 25 cm (10 inch) over all.

- Heosemys grandis is a big species, as it name implies, reaching 42.5 cm (17 inch) in size, but lacks the serrations which characterize the related spiny turtle (H. spinosa). When young, these turtles always have a soft area in the center of the plastron.

- Reeves turtle (Chinemys reevesi) is a member of the large emydid group of predominantly fresh-water turtles.  This is an Asiatic species, which appears to vary widely in size through its range.  It does not often grow beyond  15 cm (6 in) in China, but individuals double this  size have been recorded from Japan.

March 14, 2009

All About Turtles:

- The Plymouth red-bellied turtle (P. rubriventris) is one of the rarest North American chelonians.  Its total population is believed to comprise around 200 individuals, half of which inhabit Federal Pond, in Carver County, while the others are concentrated in neighboring Plymouth County.  It has been calculated that the total annual output of these turtles is around 385 eggs with about 100 hatchlings emerging each year.  In order to boost the numbers of this species, hormonal induction has been used to obtain eggs from gravid females.  These are then incubated artificially, and the resulting young can be released back into the wild.  By modifying the incubation temperature, increasing numbers of females can be produced, assisting the overall increase in population.

- Box turtles are most commonly found close to wooded areas, foraging here for both invertebrates and fruit.  They also eat plants on occasions.  Mating occurs soon after the turtles emerge from hibernation, and a relatively small clutch of eggs, numbering from two to seven, will be laid later in the summer.  Young box turtles lack an effective plastral hinge, and cannot, therefore, protect themselves like adults.

- The genus cuora tend to be quite nervous turtles, and are more aquatic than their American counterparts.  The hinge plastron in cuora species is effective from hatching.

- The spiny turtle (H. spinosa), which has heavily serrated marginals, has been suggested that they may protect these turtles from attacks from snakes.  A native of South-East Asia, and can grow to about 20 cm. (8 in.)

- The Batagur (Batagur baska) is one member of this sub-family known to migrate during the breeding period, traveling a distance of perhaps 97 km (60 miles). Having excavated her nest, and then covered the eggs, the female proceeds to disguise the area, by rising and falling on the sand, obliterating evidence of her digging activities.  These rhythmic movements are said to resemble the sound 'tun tonk', which has been corrupted to the name 'tuntong' for these turtles.

- Reeve's turtle (Chinemys reevesi) is one of the best known of the Asiatic emydids, and appears to grow larger in Japan than in other parts of its range.

- Research into the breeding habits of the Florida gopher (G. polyphemus) has revealed that nearly 90 per cent of clutches may be destroyed before the end of the incubation period, by creatures including striped skunks and armadillos.  The survival rate from egg-laying to the first anniversary of hatching is, realistically, less than six in 100.

March 7, 2009

All About Turtles:

- A reflection of lack of muscular tone, it appears that turtles such as the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), which are normally quite proficient on land, have difficulty in walking after being kept in a primarily aquatic enclosure for a period of time.

- The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) found in areas in northern-central parts of the Gulf of California, the turtles actually become dormant when the temperature of the sea falls.  They burrow into the sea bed, and remain here from about November through to March.

-The green turtle is probably the most valuable chelonian in economic terms.  It is a popular food, both traditionally in the areas where the species occurs, and further afield, as a gourmet's dish.  Its shell is often a popular tourist souvenir when polished and pieces are also used by furniture manufacturers.  The scutes can be used in this way as a substitute for those of the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), so that ranching of one species may help to conserve another.

-  Kemp's ridley is a diurnal nester, laying its eggs during the day in a much more rapid fashion than nocturnal egg-layers.  A relatively light turtle and does not leave a heavy track in the sand.  When the wind blows, the sand on the beach above sea-level is quickly dispersed,concealing the excavations and the scent of the turtle's presence.

- Painted turtles are surprisingly hardy and it is not unusual to see the swimming under ice during the winter.  Both sexes are mature and ready to breed by about their sixth year.

- The shell of the Yellow bellied turtle is relatively thick, and this may offer some defense aainst alligators, which are often found in the same waters.

The 10th of the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008

- Fertilizer.  It may keep your grass gren, but certain types of fertilizer can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs.  Last year, the ASPCA fielded more than 2,000 calls related to fertilizer exposure.  Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something lawn-side, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888)426-4435.

February 27, 2009

All About Turtles:   - The nominate race, C.s. serpentina, occuring in Minnesota, produces parchment-shelled eggs.   - Chelonians which have longer, more cylindrical-shaped eggs, have fewer per clutch. Clearly the elongated egg will occupy more space within the oviduct, whereas spherical eggs can be more numerous.   -

The pancake tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) lays just one egg, whereas, at the other extreme, marine turtles may produce over 200 eggs in a single clutch.  The amazing total of 242 was counted from a hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting on Cousin Island, part of the Seychelles group.  

-The female alone is responsible for selecting the nesting site.  In the case of marine turtles, she invariably returns to the beach where she herself hatched, often decades before.  

- The female constructs the nesting hollow on her own, tending to use her hind feet for this purpose.  Only the Burmese brown tortoise (Geochelone emys) is believed to use its fore feet for this task, having selected a suitable site.   - Marine turtles tend to nest during a high tide.  This will carry them further onto the shore, and they are thus likely to be able to spend the minimum of time on nest construction, also choosing a site which should not be out of reach of the waves.  Turtles tend to avoid an area of vegetation, as roots can prove a barrier to nest building, or sloping land, where their nests could be washed away in a heavy storm.  

- The power of the jaws of the alligator snapper has become part of American folklore, with stories being told of how these chelonians can shatter a broomstick in their mouths.  

- The alligator snapping turtle is a relatively sedate predator, luring fish and other prey into its mouth.  This is achieved by the presence of a fleshy lure which resembles a worm in appearance.  This can be moved, creating an even more lifelike impression.  As soon as the prey is safely within the mouth, the turtle clamps its jaw shut.  Snappers do not feed exclusively on live food, however, and are capable scavengers, apparently possessing a keen sense of smell.    

Number 9 of Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008 Heavy Metals - It's not too much loud music that constitutes our next poison offender, Instead, It's heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for more than 3,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2008.  Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.  

February 22, 2009

All About Turtles:

- Basking on land also enables the aquatic chelonian to dry its body, and this may help control potential pathogens, such as fungi.

- Captive turtles often tend to breed at an earlier age than their wild counterparts, as they usually grow at a quicker rate.

- Sexual maturity in chelonians is more a reflection of size rather than age, although exceptions are known, as in the stinkpot turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), which appears to mature at about three years old, irrespective of size.

- The green turtle (Chelonie mydas) may breed when only four years old, and yet the smaller gopher tortoises (Gopherus spp) can wait as long as two decades before breeding for the first time.

- It is more common for males to mature earlier than females, and at a smaller size, as in the painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) and the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).

- Female white-lipped mud turtles (Kinosternon leucostomum) are capable of breeding at a smaller size than their male counterparts, whereas there is no apparent difference in size in the case of the yellow mud turtle (K. flavescans)

- An unusual feature of gopher tortoises is the presence of sexual gland on both sides of the lower surtface of the jaw. These are clearly evident, and swell during the breeding period. They produce a secretion which acts as a scent marking. Males will rub their heads on objects within their range, and on females, transferring their scent. Female gopher tortoises may possess a specialized scale on each fore limb, which enables them to wipe secretions from their glands, and this appears to trigger an immediate response from thr male


Number 8 of the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
Household cleaners - Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last years, the ASPCA received more than 4,000 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

 

February 15, 2009

All ABout Turtles:

- In 1595, marine turtles were far more numerous than they are today, and it has been sugggested that their population could have exceeded 50 million turtles, compared with the estimated number of 10,000 in the area today.

- Hawksbill turtles, presumably captured in the Red Sea, were highly valued by the ancient Egyptians. Their shell was particularly popular for the manufacture of bracelets and knife handles. The appearance of these turtles is not portrayed in Egyptian art, however, although the African soft-shell (Trionyx Triunguis) is featured on tombs.

- In China, the tortoise was also significant in religious circles. The markings on the top of its shell were believed to reveal the future for those who could read the signs. The image of the tortoise was incorporated into a solid form as a pedestal during the Sung dynasty, probably as early as AD 990, because of its wisdom.

- In Japan, chelonians were regarded as symbols of happiness and good fortune, because of their potentially long lifespan. Representations of tortoises were common gifts, particularly at weddings, to wish a long and happy life to the couple. Chinese attitudes towards tortoises were also apparent in Japan.

- Size is no indication of the potential lifespan of chelonians, as small species can also live for a long time. The box turtles of the genus terrapene appear to have a long natural lifespan.

- Tortoises are at risk from agricultural machinery and can be crushed in rocky areas. The extent of injury is very variable. In some casess, the bone beneath the scutes may be fractured. But even if the bone casing is punctured, there is no interference with the respiratory process, as happens in mammals which suffer a deep chest wound of this type. This is because the chest area is not maintained at positive pressure, nor indeed is there a diaphragm within the chelonian's body. Their lungs will not collapse once the cavity is punctured, so this type of injury is not as serious as in mamals.

Number 7 of the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
Plants - Common houseplants were the subject of nearly 6,500 calls to the Animal Poison Copntrol Center in 2008. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harnful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

 

February 8, 2009

 All ABout Turtles:   - Using a filter in a hatchling turtle enclosure is not recommended.  The water flow from a filter is usually stronger than hatchling turtles can safely handle.  Instead, water changes should be made more frequently, as the water becomes fouled from fecal material and uneaten food.  

 - The Alabama red-bellied turtle and the common red-bellied turtles of Massachusetts are both so rare that they are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.   - The shells of adult turtles of many species become darker with age, losing their patterning or lighter coloration.  Such individuals are usually referred to as melanistic turtles.  The overall percentage of melanistic turtles varies from population to population, even within the same species.  

- A number of other turtle species that superficially resemble the Reeves' turtle are occasionally imported from Asia and the Middle East.  These include the Asian pond and leaf turtles (Mauremys and Cyclemys species) and the striped-necked turtles (Ocadia).  Many of these turtles are also suitable for captive maintenance, but take care to identify the turtle correctly so that you can provide the appropriate environmental conditions and meet its dietary requirements.  

- African mud turtles differ from all of the North American turtles in a fundamental way - the manner in which they retract their heads into their shells.  North American turtles, such as the red-eared slider, are all cryptodiran (hidden-necked) turtles, while African mud turtles are pleurodiran (side-necked), However, even though they exhibit this fundamental difference, the lifestyle and habitat of the African mud turtle and the red-eared slider are very similar, and so these two turtle groups require similar care in captivity.   - The matamata is one of the most instantly recognizable turtles in the world, but only to human eyes.  Its bizarre head shape, fringed skin and mottled coloration all serve to camouflage the turtle in its natural environment, making it virtually invisible to the fish it preys upon from ambush.  

 - Turtles are predominantly aquatic and certain members of this group are also called terrapins.  It appears that this description, which originated with the native Indians of North America, was then adopted by the early European settlers.  They applied it to chelonians which were caught for food, especially species found in brackish waters, such as the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).    

Number 6 of the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008 Chemical Hazards - In 2008, the Animal Poison Control Center handled approximately 7,500 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards.  A category on the rise, chemical hazards - found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals - form a substantial danger to pets.  Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.  

February 1, 2009

-One drug that is commonly used by veterinarians for other pets should never be given to your turtles - Ivermectin, ivermectin and related compounds are ofter prescribed for internal parasites such as heartworm in dogs,  However, these drugs are lethal to turtles and tortoises.  If your vet prescribes this drug  for your turtles, find another vet, as he/she is not well-informed about turtle care.

- It is not always easy to find vets who are experienced with reptiles and amphibians.  Here are some suggestions to help you locate a vet who can help with your pet turtle.It is best if you locate one before you actually have an emergency.  *Call veterinarians listed as "exotic" or "reptile" vets in the phonebook.  Asks them questions to be sure they are familiar with aquatic turtles. *Ask at your local pet stores, zoos, herpetological societies, and animal shelters to see if  there is someone they can recommend. *Contact the Association of reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.  Their website is http://www.arav.org/.

- Some wild caught tortoises will arrive harboring leeches.  These parasites are a normal consequence of living outdoors, but they should be removed from the turtle.  A few drops of rubbing alcohol will cause the leech to drop-off, and the area of the bite can then be cleaned and disinfected.

-  Herpetologist often used the term brumation, rather than hibernation, because there are significant differences between reptiles and mammals in the way in which they become dormant during periods of cold.  Hibernation is considered a more complete state of torpor than brumation.

- It is recommended that you have the incubator set up at least  several days before you think you will need it.  By doing this, you can make sure the incubator is holding the correct temperature without exposing the eggs to temperature fluctuations while you adjust the thermostat. Also if your turtle happens to lay eggs earlier than predicted , you will be ready.

Number 5 of Top 10 Pet poisons of 2008:

Veterinary Medications.- Even though veterinary medicatioins are intended for pets, they 're often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents.  In 2008, the ASPCA managed nearly 8000 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammtory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers,antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

January 24, 2009

 

- Wide, flat aquaria are better for turtles than tall, narrow ones of the same capacity, as they provide turtles with more swimming area.

- If you decide to add aquatic plants to your turtle setup, water hyacinth, water lettuce, water lilies, duckweed, and aquatic grasses are good choices.  These plants aare generally available at local pet stores.  Some keepers will use ceramic or clay pots for rooted aquatic plants, as these can be submerged and will provide some protection to the plant from digging turtles.  Floating plants such as duckweed work well, as there is no chance they will be uprooted by active turtles.

- For most enclosures, the land area can be filled with a mixture of potting soil and sand.  If the land area is going to be used for egg-laying by the turtles in the enclosure, the soil should not be allowed to become compacted, as it will make it difficult for the female to dig out a nest for her eggs.  In any situation where eggs might be laid, the dirt in the land area should be kept moist and checked periodically to identify any eggs laid surreptitiously by the turtle.

- If you decide an outdoor maintenance for your turtles, keep in mind that you still might need an indoor enclosure during the winter months.  In fact, it is good to keep a small enclosure handy in case of a hurricane or other severe weather.

- If you can't find or create the land area you want, check with your locan pet store or an online pet supply store.  Some companies manufacture floating platforms and ramps designed to serve  as haul-out areas for turtles. Many pet stores also stock large rocks and pieces of driftwood that you can use for this purpose.

- Always wash your hands after handling your turtles or handling anything in the turtle tank.  Until you can wash your hands, avoid handling food, rubbing your eyes, or putting your fingers in your mouth.  Never eat, or drink while handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure.

- Water can be acidic, neutral or basic, depending on the amount of hydrogen ions present in it.  The pH scale ranges from very acidic( a reading of 1), to neutral (7), and to very basic (14).  Most tap water in the United States is mildly basic (a pH ranger from 7 to 8.  Unless you know that your turtles require basic or acidic water, you can use aged tap water with a neutral pH.

- Water that has been allowed to sit out for a few days(aged water) may help turtles that are sensitive to the condition of their water, as the aging allows time for chlorine in the water to evaporate into the air.

- Some of the more aggressive species have been known to bite at cagemates during feeding, sometimes leading to loss of limbs.  If you opt to feed turtles together in the same tank, be aware of this potential problem and watch your turtles carefully while they are feeding.

Number 4 on the Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008;

Rodenticides - Last year, the ASPCA received approximately 8,000 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons.  Many baits used to attract rodents contain  inactive ingredients  that are attractive to pets as well.  Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets, including  bleeding, seizures and kidney damage.

January 5, 2009

This week's turtle facts:

-Anatomy:

The top of the shell is called the carapace whereas the bottom portion is called the plastron.  The part of the shell that connects these two is called the bridge.  The carapace does not have scales as we know scales to be.  They have large sections that are called scutes.  Scutes are made of keratin much like our fingernails.  The cloaca is an opening in the body located under the tail.  Through this opening, the turtle performs fecal, urinary and reproductive functions.  Turtles can feel things that come in contact with their shells because they have nerve endings there.  On their liungs.  If you have ever heard a turtle hiss and wonder if it means that they are mad... rest assured, they aren't mad.  They are frightened.  When we breathe, our chest expands and then contracts, pulling in air and then releasing it.  A turtle's chest can't do this because of the hard plastron.  Instead, their lungs inflate and take upo room inside their shell.  So when they are frightened, and they need to pull their head and legs into their shell, they won't quite fit because of full inflated lungs.  What they do is expel the air within their lunbgs out as fast as they can so that they will have room for their appendages to fit into the security of their hard shells.  With the rush of air leaving their  bodies, it makes a hissing noise and leads one to believe the turtle is ticked off and warning them to stay away.  The shell is part of their rib cage.  It grows at the same rate as the rest of the turtle.  When the shell begins to look as if it is coming apaart, it is merely growing.  Discarding portions of the old with incoming segments of new.  If the scutes come off in large layers or there are red and/or raw areas in shed areas, then there is a problem.  Go see a vet.   As the turtle grows you will see a separation of the scutes and a lighter colored area between them on the plastron.  Again, this is normal.  This area will also be softer than the surrounding scutes.

-The measurement of a turtle is done as a straight line from the front of the carapace to the back.  This is called Straight Carapace Length (SCL).  This is accomplished by using an imaginary line that goes through or above the turtle.  You do not want to go along the ridge of the carapace, because in some species this is highly domed and will give you an inaccurate measurement.  Picture it as though you were placing bookends on the front and back of the turtle, and then measuring the distance between bookends.

-All Animals can carry salmonella.  This includes dogs, cats, lizards, snakes, birds or even people.  It's not going to jump out of the turtle and get you.  The reason why turtles have received a bad reputation in reference to salmonella poisoning is because ignorance combined with a lack of personal hygiene.  Keepers back in the 60' s and 70's were not keeping their turtles in very sanitary conditions and they were not keeping themselves safe by washing their hands.

Turtles were commonly kept in Turtle Bowls which have come to be dubbed "death bowls" by hobbyists.  The water was not filtered and was usually changed once a week or when the keeper got tired of smelling the foul water.  The turtles were left to live in, swim in and eat in the same water they used the bathroom in.  Then people would go about their day and not wash their hands - no wonder people were getting sick.  That's the equivalent to having a dog and keeping it in a single roon inside your house all the time and making it ear off the floor where it usews the bathroom... and then you clean it once a week.  That's just begging for all kinds of health issues.  The turtle's water is no different.  Even with the water being filtered and caring for your turtles properly, it is always good a good idea to wash your hands after interacting with them or their habitat.  You wash your hands after brushing your dog or horse, so why not wash them after testing your turtle's  water of after putting your hands in the aquarium to adjust something?  It is encourage top wash your hands with a strong, antibacterial soap before touching them as well.  You don't want them to give you anything that they might have and you don't want to give them anything you might have.  Play it safe and play it smart.  Children should not be allowed to touch the turtles and if they are permitted, please only do so under strict adult supervision and wash the child's hands immediately after touching them.  Kids are quick to put hands in their mouths and that is an excellent way for the transfer of bacteria to happen.  Their immune systems are still relatively weak and they can pick up germs easily - not just salmonella.  Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are also encouraged not to interact with reptiles.

I hope those of you who are new in the hobby understand the basic explanation of anatomy, measurement and the role salmonella from what you have just read.  I cannot stress this enough.

Another set of info I was requested to share is about the top 10 pet poisons of 2008.  I will share one each week  as it would get too lengthy.  With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets.  In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handles more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products.  Don't leave it up to Fido, or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. 

Human Medications:  For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA's list of common hazards, and 2008 was no exception.  Last year, the ASPCA managed more than 50,000 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements.  Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it's essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.

December 6, 2008

Turtle Facts This Week:

- Tortoise keepers who have Aldabra tortoises say these are very personable, friendly tortoises.  However, a 400 - 500 pound tortoise is a really big tortoise.  This is a major commitment!  Think about it long and hard before you buy that cute little hatchling.

- A captive bred Galapagos tortoise named Colossus, with a southern Albemarle origin, weighed in at 840 pounds in November 1994.  Colossus was, at that time, officially the world's heaviest tortoise.

- The black soft-shelled turtle figures importantly in Hindu mythology.  The animals are believed to represent the souls of long ago sinners, transformed into reptiles by a 13th century saint, are in a tank attached to a temple in Bangladesh.  Each animal is considered sacred, and so none can be removed.

- The desert tortoise is able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees F.

- 95% of a desert tortoise's life is spent in underground burrows.

- Ravens have caused more than 50 percent of juvenile desert tortoise deaths in some areas of the Mojave Desert.

- Adult tortoises may survive a year or more without access to water.

- Desert tortoise populations have declined by 90 percent since the 1980s.

- Ravens are now one of the desert tortoise's primary predators.

- Much of the tortoise's water intake comes from moisture in the grasses and wildflowers they consume in the spring.

- It is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect a wild desert tortoise.

Turtle Facts this week - november 30

- The terrestrial tortoises make up the family Testudinidae, and that family, with 50 members, is second only to the Emydidae(a family of semi-aquatic turtles) in total number of living species.  Today, Testudinidae family members are found in tropical areas of Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, South America, Aldabra Atoll, and the Galapagos Islands.

- Habitat destruction is endangering many wild star tortoises.  Over collection for the pet trade has also been a problem.  For this reason, never buy a wild-caught star tortoise.

- The attractive Radiated tortoise was long exploited for its shell, for the pet trade, and as a food source.  A CITES listing has protected it somewhat although some people are still killing it for food.

- Fossil records show tortoises were much more widespread in the past than they are today.  They lived in northern Europe, even in Great Britain, and in North America up to southern Canada.

 - Do not buy a geometric tortoise unless you know that it is legal to do so and that it either has been legally imported or is captive bred.

- The leopard tortoise is threatened in many parts of its range.  Warfare, hunting and over-collection have depleted its numbers.  If you buy or adopt a leopard tortoise, make sure it  is a captive-bred tortoise.

- The sulcata tortoise is sometimes called the African spur-thigh tortoise. To confuse things, the North Africa tortoise has also been called a spur thigh.  Experts are trying to clarify things.  The sulcata is now being referred to as just a sulcata, and the other spur thigh is being called the North Africa tortoise.

- Captive bred babies are often available from rescues and legitimate breeders.  But check local regulations as to any permits that might be required.

November 23, 2008

-  The vast geographical basin in Mexico where the Bolson tortoise lives is gradually becoming more and more arid.  Although the tortoise could probably survive this climatic change, unfortunately, other changes are occuring, too.  Livestock is now grazing the deserts where this tortoise is trying to survive, and herders routinely kill tortoises found among the livestock.  Tortoises also end up in the stew pot.  However, this tortoise will breed in captivity, and, as with so many other tortoises, captive breeding may save this species from extinction.

-  Habitat destruction is rapidly displacing many wild tortoises.  In addition, the Florida gopher tortoise has been used as a food source in many parts of its range.

- Unfortunately, the native people in its range consider the red-footed tortoise a delicacy.  In addition, its shell is used as a musical instrument.

- The yellow-footed tortoise has exactly one advantage over the red-foot: It gets bigger.  This becomes a disadvantage when weather requires the tortoises to be brought inside.  The red-foot's more attractive appearance should also prevent the yellow-foot from being chosen as a captive.  Since the red-foot does better in captivity, the red-foot should be the better choice for a pet.

- The Burmese Brown is one of the most primitive tortoises and one of the most ancient of extant terrestrial species.  It is also the largest tortoise in Asia.

- Many researchers believe that in the wild, predators are responsible for destroying at least 80 percent of all turtle and tortoise eggs laid.  Those offsdpring that do hatch face additional dangers. Captive breeding reduces those dangers to almost zero.