Species Details

@Rejoice Gassah

Elongated Tortoise Did you see this animal?

Scientific Name : Indotestudo elongata
Family : Testudinidae
Order : Testudines
Class : Reptilia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Yellow- headed Tortoise
Habitat : Rockey hilly evergreen forest and forest streams
 
Description : The elongated tortoise has a distinctive elongated and narrow shell that is brown or black in color. The plastron (underside of the shell) is yellowish or cream-colored. They have a long neck and a small head with two white stripes on each side.

This turtle can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length and weigh up to 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds).

The elongated tortoise is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. They are generally active during the day and are known to be good climbers.

The elongated tortoise is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. It is one of the most commonly traded tortoises in the world, and thousands are captured and sold for the pet trade each year.

Efforts are being made to conserve this species, including habitat protection, education and awareness programs, and enforcement of laws against illegal trade. It is also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates international trade in threatened species.
 
Distribution in Bangladesh
References:
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source:Khan 2018 (Photographic guide to the wildlife of Bangladesh). photo credit:Rejoice Gassah(www.inaturalist.org/people/Rejoice Gassah), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.