FaunaHub

Tortoise (family Testudinidae)

ReptileTestudinesHerbivore

Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) on Curieuse Island, Seychelles.

Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), Curieuse Island, Seychelles.

Image: NorbertNagel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles of the family Testudinidae, a branch of the turtle order (Testudines) adapted to life on dry land. They are best known for their high, domed shells, sturdy elephantine legs, and famously long lifespans. The animal shown here is an Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea), used as a reference for this group-level overview.

Unlike many turtles, tortoises are poor swimmers and live almost entirely on land, ranging from giant island species to small, drought-hardy desert tortoises.

Conservation note: many tortoise species are of conservation concern, affected by habitat loss and collection, while others are more secure. Because status varies by species, verify specifics at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Tortoises occur across warm regions of the world — grasslands, scrub, dry forest, desert, and tropical islands. Different species are adapted to very different conditions, from arid deserts where they shelter in burrows to humid islands. They are absent from the coldest regions and from Australia.

Diet

Most tortoises are herbivores, grazing and browsing on grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruit, with the exact diet depending on the species and habitat. Their slow metabolism and efficient use of plant food suit a life that is unhurried and, in many species, very long.

Behavior

Tortoises are mostly solitary and slow-moving, relying on their shell rather than speed for defense; when threatened they can withdraw the head and limbs. Many are long-lived, with some individuals reaching well over a century. Activity is strongly shaped by temperature, and desert species may shelter underground during heat or cold.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Tortoises face pressures from habitat loss, road mortality, and collection for the pet trade in some regions. Several species are protected, and giant tortoises in particular are conservation icons. For current, species-specific status, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the tortoise

Aldabra giant tortoise grazing, La Digue, Seychelles.

Aldabra giant tortoise, La Digue, Seychelles.

Image: NorbertNagel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Tortoise

What is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?
All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. "Turtle" covers the whole order Testudines, while "tortoise" refers specifically to the land-dwelling family Testudinidae. Tortoises have rounded, domed shells and stumpy legs for walking on land, whereas many other turtles are adapted for water.
How long do tortoises live?
Tortoises are among the longest-lived animals. Lifespans vary by species, but many live for decades and some giant tortoises are documented living well past 100 years. Exact figures depend on species, environment, and care.
What do tortoises eat?
Most tortoises are herbivores, eating grasses, leafy plants, flowers, and some fruit. The precise diet differs between species and habitats, and some will occasionally take other foods.
Are tortoises endangered?
It depends on the species. Some tortoises are widespread, while others are threatened by habitat loss and collection. Status should always be checked per species against current IUCN Red List data.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.