Kenya camping:Things about the tortoise

The tortoise is a land – dwelling reptile and is found in many countries around the  world particularly in weather which is warmer for most of the year.

Tortoise have a hard outer shell to protect them from predators but the skin on the legs, head and belly of the tortoise is quite soft so the tortoise is able to reflect its limbs into its shell to protect itself.

Most species of tortoise have a herbivorous diet eating grasses, weeds, flowers leafy greens and fruits. Tortoise have a lifespan similar to human being but unlike the giant tortoise to be over 150 years old.

There are many different species of tortoise around the world that vary in size, color and diet. The tortoises are diurnal but in place where it is very hot throughout the day. Tortoise will often venture out to find food in the cooler.

The eggs hatch between 2 and 4 months later and the baby tortoises are able to start venturing out in search of food when they are about a week old. The size of the baby tortoise and the egg depends on the size of the mother tortoise.

Most species of tortoise, but not all, hibernate during the colder winter months particularly those species of tortoise in the northern above the equator. Tortoises must have an empty stomach before they hibernate and therefore tend to go through a period of starvation. Tortoise comes out of hibernation when the weather begins to get warmer again.

Peter K. Philip

Adventure Kenya camping safaris,

Natural Track Safaris