Makes sense! The name “hingeback tortoise” comes from this animal’s unique, 90-degree moveable “hinge” located at the rear of its shell, which allows it to cover up its rear legs and tail when threatened.
ORIGIN:
South Africa
HABITAT:
Grasslands and woodlands
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
Up to 1 oz
Length: 6-9 in
DIET:
Leaves, grasses, fruits, sugarcane, fungi and insects
PREDATORS:
Monitor lizards, birds of prey, hornbills and hyenas
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Hard shell
REPRODUCTION:
Can lay up to 45 eggs per breeding season
THREATS:
Human hunting and collection for the pet trade
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 22 yrs in human care
