Common Name: Hingeback Tortoise Scientific Name: Kinixys belliana
STATUS UNKNOWN Hingeback Tortoise Distribution: Southern Africa Habitat: Dry Grasslands Height: 22cm
Bell’s Hingeback tortoise is so called as it has a distinctive hinge located ¾ of the way along the back of the tortoise. The shell (carapace) is rounded. The colour of the tortoise is fairly consistent and on each section of the shell there is a yellow rayed pattern. Its head is brown, black, yellow or tan and the limbs and tail are grayish brown. Bell’s hingebacks are unique among the tortoises of the world. Their carapacial hinge is a useful adaptation and affords the tortoise increased protection from predators.
Weight: 2kg
These tortoises are found in Africa where they occupy Sudan and Tanzania and are also widespread in central and southern Africa. The species is found in dry grassland and on riverbanks. They become active with the onset of rains and probably lay eggs at this time. During dry periods (may - september) they lie dormant in the muddy bottoms of drying water holes.
Diet: Omnivorous
Bell’s Hingeback tortoise is mainly herbivorous eating grass, fallen fruit and flowers. However they will also eats a range of insects like beetles and will take carrion and snails . Male Hingebacks are territorial and will battle with suspected intruders, especially other males during breeding season. Mating occurs in November to April after which the female lays 2 - 10 eggs. These take between 90 - 110 days to hatch. The female may lay more than one clutch per season.