Elongated Tortoise

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Elongated tortoise
Scientific name	Indotestudo elongata
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Testudines
Family	Testudinidae
Genus	Indotestudo
Conservation status	Critically Endangered
Type	Reptile (tortoise)
Diet	Leafy greens, some fruit and mushrooms
Habitat	Humid teak forests
Native range	South and Southeast Asia, from northeast India to Malaysia
Colours	Caramel to dark yellowish-brown with dark blotches
Special feature	Narrow shell; pink around eyes and nose when breeding

The Elongated tortoise Indotestudo elongate has a distinct and narrow carapace or upper shell that gives it this name.

Anatomy

The color of the carapace ranges from caramel to yellowish–dark brown color.  You can see dark blotches on every scute.  The color of the head is pale yellow.  Both the males and females develop a pink color around the eyes and nostrils during the breeding season.  The males are narrower with shorter tails and more concave plastrons.  The female posses longer and more curved  hind  claws,. This seems to be an adaptation of nest building.

Behavior

Elongated tortoises are crepuscular (very active during dawn and dusk) creatures.  They possess large eyes that adapt well to  low light.  Males of the species display aggressive, almost sadistic,  sexual behavior.  Ramming the female from behind, biting her around the neck, head and hind legs  are common features.

Habitat

You can find the elongated tortoise in southern and southeast Asia, north east India, Myanmar, Nepal,  Bangladesh, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and  the Malaysian peninsula.   They inhabit teak forests with high humidity.  You can sometimes come upon them basking in hot, dry conditions on Indian open grounds.

As a Pet

Breeding

Breeding continues throughout summer and autumn.  The nose and eye areas of both males and females develop reddish pink hues.  Courtship is not a silent affair for elongated tortoises.  The later part of the day is full of terrible ramming sounds emanating from the yard.  Courtship is a rough affair. The male follows the female closely ramming her violently when she stops.  It is wonderful how the shells withstand such violent  ramming.  Apart from exhibiting sadistic behavior, the male vocalizes loudly at actual mating.

Housing

Elongated tortoises are tropical creatures. Tortoise care recommends that you should house them in vivariums with daytime temperatures that range from 80 to 88 Degrees F.  You have to provide a bathing pool (a cat litter tray can do the job) since the tortoises need humidity and enjoy bathing long and often.

When you maintain the elongated tortoise in a vivarium, it is imperative that you provide the proper UVB lighting to aid vitamin D3 production  and use.  You should also give calcium additives like Nutrobal  to supplement the calcium intake.   You can put your tortoise in an outside enclosure during summer so that it can benefit from natural sunlight.  You should also provide a shaded area.  Clumps of hay or grass will do the job.

Food

You can provide a diet that consists of 80% green  matter and 20% fruit matter.  The greens should include kale, Brussel tops, watercress, spinach and parsley.  The 20% Fruit matter should include banana, grape, melon and tomato.  Some tortoises love mushrooms.

You should not feed your pet with  Iceberg or round lettuce.  You can,  however, provide mixed lettuce available in supermarkets. Lettuce need not be part of the daily diet.  You should daily supplement all foods with Nutrobal. Make sure to provide fresh water at all times.

The other alternatives available to feed your tortoise are Zoo Ned Tortoise Food, T- Rex Dry tortoise formula, etc.  You  can use these occasionally when you are not in a position to chop fresh food, or when you need a handy fallback.

Elongated tortoise FAQs