Scientific Name
- The scientific name of the Elongated Tortoise is Indotestudo elongata.
Description
- It is also known as Yellow Head Tortoise, Yellow Tortoise, or Red-Nosed Tortoise.
- This species is an unusually tamed and beautiful tropical tortoise, readily available and fairly hardy, which makes it a wonderful pet.
Distribution
- These tortoises are found in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, People’s Republic of China, Thailand and Malaysia.
- Commonly seen in Southeast Asia.
Size
- Male: Above 12 inches (30cm).
- Female: Above 15 inches (38cm).
Life Span
- 20-50 years.
Diet
- They are herbivorous, which means they are plant-eating animals.
- These tortoises hunt for fallen Fruits, Grasses, Greens & Flowers.
- The primary foods for elongated tortoises are various fruits (e.g. Peaches, Apples with skin, starfruits, Papayas, Mangos, Tomatoes, etc), Carrots, Mushrooms, Beans, Peas, Grass, Veggies, Flowers & Dark Leafy Greens (e.g. dandelions, mustards, collards, turnips, kales).
- However, these tortoises in captivity occasionally take high-quality canned reptile, dog or cat food, Cooked Eggs, White Cheese, and Low-Fat Meat.
Habitat and Housing
- Terrestrial, humid, upland forest areas.
- In captivity, a large shallow water bowl should be provided for soaking and drinking all the time, also include caves for hiding, etc.
Tortoise Common Disease
- Very hardy but will experience respiratory problems after a prolonged exposure to a cool environment.
- Early symptoms are puffy eyes and a running nose.