Tortoise on the run!!

Tortoise on the run!!

This is a Parrot Beaked Tortoise which I found walking next to the road while on vacation in Jongensfontein, Western Province South Africa. This is a small tortoise endemic to South Africa and is quite common. The average length is about 110 mm, although the females are larger than the males.

The one below is another one we found next to the same road where we found the 1st one. If comparing the one on top with the one below, you will note that there is quite a difference in color, although they are of the same species. The males are normally the ones with the lighter coloring, thus I would presume the one above is a male and the one below female.

In the photo below, you can see the parrot type beak of this tortoise.

Below you can see how nicely the tortoise is camouflaged in its natural habitat.

Below is a short video of the tortoise making its getaway!! Unfortunately, I must go for video taking lessons as it did not come out very well. I will practice a bit to do this better.

These photos and video were taken by me using my iPhone.

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.