Egyptian tortoise
African animals
Reptiles
The beautiful and active Egyptian tortoise, also known as the Kleinmanni tortoise, is one of the world's smallest tortoises but also one of the world's most endangered tortoises. The main threats to the species are illegal wildlife trade and the destruction of turtle habitats. In October 2005, customs in Rome (Italy) seized 275 Egyptian tortoises. They were wild-caught and about to be sold to
private individuals in Europe and the United States. Instead, it was decided that nine zoos in Europe would take care of the animals and start a conservation breeding programme. Parken Zoo participates in the European breeding programme, EEP, for the conservation of the species.
CITES A
The facts
| Scientific name | Testudo kleinmanni |
| Size | up to 15 cm |
| Weight | females 260-450g and males 150-215g |
| Food | Grasses, desert plants, fruit and vegetables |
| Number of cubs | 1-5 eggs |
| Lifespan | according to known data, about 25 years but probably longer. |
| Living environment | Desert, semi-desert, dry grasslands and woodlands |
| Distribution | Egypt, Libya and Israel. |
| Way of life | People living alone |
Taxonomy
| Class | Reptiles (reptilia) |
| Organisation | Turtles (Testudines) |
| Family | Tortoises (Testudinidae) |
| Type | Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) |
