Egyptian Tortoises

The Egyptian tortoise is one of the smallest tortoise species in the world and is critically endangered in the wild. Native to the arid desert edges of Libya, this tiny reptile has adapted to extreme heat by becoming most active during the cooler parts of the day. It feeds on dry desert plants and can survive with very little water, thanks to specialized kidneys that conserve moisture. Once found in Egypt and Israel, the species has been wiped out from large parts of its historic range due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Captive breeding programs are now crucial to its survival.