Tortoise

A tortoise is a reptile with a hard shell covering its body. This land-dwelling species belongs to the family Testudinidae. In Somali, it is also called diin-dhuleed (land tortoise), to distinguish it from sea turtles and freshwater tortoises.

The shell consists of two connected parts: the carapace (upper shell) and the plastron (lower shell). The shell is fused to the spine and limbs and cannot be removed. When threatened, many species retract their head, legs, and tail inside the shell.

Appearance and body structure

Tortoises have no teeth; instead, they have a hard beak adapted for cutting food. Land tortoises have short, sturdy legs, and their feet resemble those of elephants to support the weight of their shell. This differs from sea turtles, which have flippers for swimming.

Habitat and diet

Tortoises are found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, particularly in grasslands, forests, and deserts. Most species are herbivorous, feeding on grass, leaves, shrubs, and fruits. Some occasionally eat small insects. Like other reptiles, their body temperature depends on their environment, so they spend mornings basking in the sun to warm up.

Reproduction and lifespan

Tortoises lay eggs. The female digs a shallow hole, deposits the eggs inside, and covers it with soil. There is no parental care after laying. In many species, the incubation temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings. Tortoises are known for their long lifespans; large species can reach over eighty years, and some exceed one hundred years.