The elongated tortoise (also known as the yellow tortoise) has a shell length of 30cm as an adult and weighs around 3.5kg .
This forest dwelling species from Southeast Asia has a much more diverse diet than most terrestrial tortoises readily consuming mushrooms and some animal protein including earthworms and animal carccases.
Female tortoises tend to be wider and more rounded than males with a much smaller tail and a flat plastron (underside of the shell) while males are concave. They also have longer and more curved back claws than those of the male. It is believed that this is to facilitate nest building.
The elongated tortoise, along with many other Asian turtle and tortoises species, are on the decline. Habitat loss and over harvesting are just two of the threats to these animals. The Asian Turtle Program is one in-situ conservation initiative that has been actively helping these animals since 1998. The aim of the program is to establish a safe and sustainable future for Asian turtles, and ensure that no further turtle species become extinct.
You can learn more about the Asian Turtle Program here
IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered
Indotestudo elongata has declined by at least 80% in the last 90 years for habitat loss reasons alone, and has additionally been extensively and intensively exploited for consumption and export trade. From its reproductive dynamics, this is a species that is slow to recover from population impacts, even by tortoise standards.
