The Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis), also known as Natal hinge-backed tortoise or Natal hinged tortoise, is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae which is restricted to eastern southern Africa to a relatively small area around the borders of Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini.
The Natal hinge-back tortoise is one of the smallest of the hinged tortoises. It has an elongated carapace up to 15.5 cm (6.1 in) in length which is slightly domed with a flat dorsal surface, although averaging between 8 and 14 cm (3.1 and 5.5 in) in length. Its hinge, on the underside of its shell, is also poorly developed compared to its relatives, being restricted to the marginals. This rudimentary hinge only develops later, and is absent in juveniles. The small tail terminates in a distinctive spike. It has a brown to yellow head is small to large with a non-projecting snout. The scutes on its relatively elongated shell usually have concentric dark and light rings. Females are larger than males and usually more boldly marked. Unlike the other hinged tortoises, the males do not have a concave belly.[3]
Distribution and habitatedit
This rare tortoise is naturally found in the area around the far eastern border of South Africa. It occurs mainly in the province of Kwazulu-Natal but also in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as well as in the neighbouring countries of Eswatini and border of Mozambique.[3]
In its natural habitat, it inhabits rocky, thornveld and bushveld at 300–1,000 m (980–3,280 ft) elevation.[3] They eat mainly plant material but will eat insects and other small invertebrates if given the chance.[4]
^ abHofmeyr, M.D.; Boycott, R.C. (2018). "Kinixys natalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T11004A115685642. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T11004A115685642.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
^Fritz Uwe & Peter Havaš (2007). (PDF). Vertebrate Zoology. 57 (2): 286. ISSN 1864-5755. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-01. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
^ abc"Kinixys natalensis". C.H. Ernst, R.G.M. Altenburg & R.W. Barbour Turtles of the World. nlbif. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^"Kinixys (Hinged Tortoise) Care". World Chelonian Trust. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
December 18, 2023
natal, hinge, back, tortoise, kinixys, natalensis, also, known, natal, hinge, backed, tortoise, natal, hinged, tortoise, species, tortoise, family, testudinidae, which, restricted, eastern, southern, africa, relatively, small, area, around, borders, mozambique. The Natal hinge back tortoise Kinixys natalensis also known as Natal hinge backed tortoise or Natal hinged tortoise is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae which is restricted to eastern southern Africa to a relatively small area around the borders of Mozambique South Africa and Eswatini Natal hinge back tortoiseConservation statusVulnerable IUCN 3 1 1 Scientific classificationDomain EukaryotaKingdom AnimaliaPhylum ChordataClass ReptiliaOrder TestudinesSuborder CryptodiraSuperfamily TestudinoideaFamily TestudinidaeGenus KinixysSpecies K natalensisBinomial nameKinixys natalensisHewitt 1935Synonyms 2 Kinixys natalensis Hewitt 1935 Kinixys belliana natalensis Mertens amp Wermuth 1955 Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution and habitat 3 Threats and conservation 4 ReferencesDescription editThe Natal hinge back tortoise is one of the smallest of the hinged tortoises It has an elongated carapace up to 15 5 cm 6 1 in in length which is slightly domed with a flat dorsal surface although averaging between 8 and 14 cm 3 1 and 5 5 in in length Its hinge on the underside of its shell is also poorly developed compared to its relatives being restricted to the marginals This rudimentary hinge only develops later and is absent in juveniles The small tail terminates in a distinctive spike It has a brown to yellow head is small to large with a non projecting snout The scutes on its relatively elongated shell usually have concentric dark and light rings Females are larger than males and usually more boldly marked Unlike the other hinged tortoises the males do not have a concave belly 3 Distribution and habitat editThis rare tortoise is naturally found in the area around the far eastern border of South Africa It occurs mainly in the province of Kwazulu Natal but also in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga as well as in the neighbouring countries of Eswatini and border of Mozambique 3 In its natural habitat it inhabits rocky thornveld and bushveld at 300 1 000 m 980 3 280 ft elevation 3 They eat mainly plant material but will eat insects and other small invertebrates if given the chance 4 Threats and conservation editThis tortoise is rare and considered vulnerable It is listed on CITES Appendix II 1 References edit a b Hofmeyr M D Boycott R C 2018 Kinixys natalensis IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018 e T11004A115685642 doi 10 2305 IUCN UK 2018 2 RLTS T11004A115685642 en Retrieved 17 November 2021 Fritz Uwe amp Peter Havas 2007 Checklist of Chelonians of the World PDF Vertebrate Zoology 57 2 286 ISSN 1864 5755 Archived from the original PDF on 2011 05 01 Retrieved 29 May 2012 a b c Kinixys natalensis C H Ernst R G M Altenburg amp R W Barbour Turtles of the World nlbif Retrieved 17 October 2016 Kinixys Hinged Tortoise Care World Chelonian Trust Retrieved 17 October 2016 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Natal hinge back tortoise amp oldid 1127711266, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
