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Tortoise vs turtle, is there really a difference between them? Technically, tortoises are a subset of turtles. The family Testudinidae (tortoises) consists of around 65 species, which are part of the 11 turtle families encompassing 365 species. However, distinguishing between turtles and tortoises can sometimes be unclear.

In the UK, “turtles” typically refer to ocean-dwelling species, while land-dwellers are also called turtles. In contrast, Americans often use the term “turtle” for both land and water-dwelling animals. Despite this, both tortoises and turtles share the common feature of having a hard shell covered with plates (always an exception – softshell turtles, highly aquatic species with a leathery shell, there is one marine species). Tortoises tend to have stockier legs (elephantine) and domed shells, while aquatic turtles possess flatter, more streamlined swimming legs and feet.

While tortoises are not adept swimmers, they do enter water to bathe or drink. Most tortoises are herbivores, whereas turtles are omnivores. Importantly, most all lay their eggs on dry land.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: How Do They Breathe?

Tortoise Vs Turtle: How Do They Breathe?

Pictured is a juvenile leopard tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis.

Tortoises and turtles breathe differently from most vertebrates, as their rigid ribcages prevent them from expanding their chests to inhale. Instead, they use a muscular sling within their shells. When this muscle contracts, it expands their chest cavity through the openings where their heads and forelimbs extend.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: Fun Facts About Tortoises and Turtles

Although the terms “tortoise” and “turtle” are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences:

  • In most turtle species, females are larger than males, but in tortoises, the males are typically larger.
  • Turtles generally have flatter shells, while tortoise shells are more deeply domed, though there are exceptions.
  • Tortoises primarily live on land, whereas turtles are semi-aquatic or fully aquatic. Although tortoises can swim, they are not strong swimmers.
  • Turtles and tortoises are among the most popular animals in zoos.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: Turtles Are Endangered Vertebrates

Pictured is a leopard tortoise, Stigmochelys pardalis.

Several factors contribute to the endangerment of the world’s turtle population, including over harvesting of wild turtles, water contamination, illegal collection, and habitat destruction. Of the approximately 365 species of tortoises and turtles, many are now listed as endangered.

In some parts of Asia, certain turtle species are illegally harvested for their organs, believed to possess medicinal properties. For example, in Thailand, some types of box turtles are sold for as much as $20,000 each. In 2017, a pair of Bourret’s box turtles hatched at the National Zoo as part of an effort to ensure the species’ survival. Scientists estimate that only 2,300 Bourret’s box turtles remain in their natural habitats in Laos and Vietnam.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: Tortoises Can Thrive for Over 200 Years

Aldabra tortoises, for instance, take about 40 years to reach sexual maturity, in the wild and they can live for over 100 years. Despite their age, they continue to display strength and vitality.

The pig-nosed turtle, also known as the Fly River turtle, is the last living member of the Carettochelyidae family. These turtles, with their soft shells, leathery skin, webbed hind legs, and flipper-like forelegs, are highly adapted to freshwater aquatic life.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: Turtles Shed Their Scutes, and ‘side neck’ turtles

Like snakes shedding their skin, turtles shed the hard scales on their shells, known as scutes. As some turtles grow, their peeling scutes are replaced by new ones. You can roughly estimate the age of young turtles and tortoises by counting the rings on their scutes.

Another disctinstion amounf turtles are that some pull their head in on a vertical orientation while other pull their head in on a vertical plane. Eastern long-necked turtles are an example of a species that pull their head in on a vertical plane, also called Australian snake-necked turtles, are named for their long, narrow necks. Native to southeastern Australia, these turtles have a brown or dark gray shell with a yellow underside and are semi-aquatic.

Turtles’ Brumation Occurs in the Winter

A mature Galapagos tortoise, Chelonoidis niger.

Brumation is a hibernation-like state specific to cold-blooded animals, including turtles. Like other reptiles, turtles are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature adjusts to their surroundings.

You may have seen river turtles basking in the sun on rocks—this is how they absorb warmth. During the fall and winter, their bodies cool down, causing them to become slow and still. Some species, such as Bourret’s box turtles, enter brumation from October through March. During this period, they do not eat and essentially shut down to protect themselves from the cold.

Tortoise Vs Turtle: Turtles and Tortoises Have Good Eyesight

Unlike many reptiles, tortoises and turtles have excellent vision and are easily drawn to bright colors. They can quickly spot vibrant hues, similar to blooming flowers, such as the bright cacti in the desert, where some tortoises live.

Tortoises and turtles are quick to notice brightly colored foods, such as orange carrots or green kale. This is why zookeepers often use bright colors to train large Aldabra tortoises. While Aldabras generally respond well to training, they sometimes require assistance from keepers. For example, Aldabras enjoy settling into wet, cold ground. When food isn’t enough to coax them out, keepers must work together to help them out of their burrows.

Noteworthy Tortoise and Turtle Species

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Aldabra tortoises, Aldabrachelys gigantea.

  • Alligator Snapping Turtle: The largest freshwater turtle, known for its spiked shell, prehistoric look, and strong jaws.
  • Red-Footed Tortoise: A long-living species found in South America and the Caribbean, with bright red, orange, or yellow patches on its head, tail, and legs.
  • Spider Tortoise: A critically endangered species from Madagascar, named for the web-like yellow pattern on its shell. Adults can fit in the palm of your hand.
  • Matamata Turtle: Native to South America, this striking turtle has a knobby shell and a long neck with ridges and bumps. Its large head and long snout give it a unique appearance.
  • Painted Terrapin: A river turtle native to Southeast Asia with a bright red stripe on its head during the breeding season, though it usually has a dull appearance. This species is endangered.

Turtles and tortoises offer fascinating differences in behavior, habitat, and appearance, making them both unique and essential members of the animal kingdom.

Kapidolo Farms offers a variety of foods for tortoises. For orders, you can call us at 215-483-7675 or email us at kapidolofarms@gmail.com.  KF

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