If you’re looking for a pet that is gentle and easy to care for, a land turtle might be the perfect choice for you. Tortoises are ancient creatures that have been around for over 230 million years,1 making them some of the oldest living animals on our planet.
While all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles are classified as tortoises. These tortoises make great pets because they spend most of their time on land and have special needs that make them different from aquatic turtles.
1. Aldabra Tortoise
Aldabra tortoises are among the largest in the world. They can live up to 80 to 100 years or more, making them a long-term commitment.
To care for them, provide a spacious outdoor area where they can roam and bask in the sun. They need a diet of grass, leaves, and vegetables. It’s essential to keep their living space clean and provide fresh water daily.
These tortoises are native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean.
- Lifespan: 80 to 100+ years
- Care: Need a large outdoor space, sun exposure, a diet of grass and vegetables, and clean water
- Origins: Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
2. Greek Tortoise
The Greek tortoise is a popular pet known for its charming personality. They typically live between 50 to 100 years. To care for them, keep them in a warm environment with a varied diet of leafy greens, vegetables, and some fruits.
They enjoy basking in the sun, so a sunny area is essential. Make sure to provide a hiding place and keep their habitat clean. Greek tortoises come from various parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
- Lifespan: 50 to 100 years
- Care: Need a warm environment, a diet of greens and veggies, and a clean habitat
- Origins: Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
3. Pancake Tortoise
The pancake tortoise is unique for its flat, pancake-like shell. They live around 30 to 50 years. These tortoises require a dry and warm habitat with plenty of hiding spots.
Their diet should include grasses and weeds. Regular soaking in shallow water is important to keep them hydrated. Pancake tortoises are found in parts of East Africa, mainly in Tanzania.
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Care: Need a dry and warm habitat, grasses for food, and regular soaking for hydration
- Origins: East Africa, mainly Tanzania
4. Red-Footed Tortoise
Red-footed tortoises are known for their colorful shells and friendly nature. They can live 40 to 50 years with proper care. They need a warm and humid environment, with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and some flowers.
It’s essential to have a shady area for them to retreat from the heat. These tortoises come from the tropical forests of South America, particularly in countries like Brazil and Colombia.
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Care: Require a warm, humid habitat, a diet of fruits and veggies, and shady spots
- Origins: Tropical forests of South America, mainly Brazil and Colombia
5. Sulcata Tortoise
The Sulcata tortoise is one of the largest tortoise species, known for its impressive size and strength. They can live up to 50 to 70 years. Caring for a Sulcata requires a large outdoor space with plenty of sunshine and access to water.
Their diet should consist mainly of grasses and hay. It’s important to provide them with a safe and secure environment. Sulcata tortoises are native to the dry regions of the Sahara Desert in Africa.
- Lifespan: 50 to 70 years
- Care: Need a large outdoor space, lots of sunshine, a grass-based diet, and a secure habitat
- Origins: Sahara Desert, Africa
6. Hermann’s Tortoise
Hermann’s tortoise is a small, friendly tortoise that can live between 50 to 75 years. They thrive in a warm environment and need a diet rich in leafy greens, vegetables, and some fruits.
It’s important to provide them with a sunny area for basking and a shaded spot to cool down. Regular soaking in shallow water helps keep them hydrated. Hermann’s tortoises are originally found in Europe, particularly in countries like Italy and Greece.
- Lifespan: 50 to 75 years
- Care: Need a warm habitat, a diet of greens and veggies, and regular soaking
- Origins: Europe, mainly Italy and Greece
7. Russian Tortoise
The Russian tortoise is a hardy tortoise that can live 40 to 50 years. They are known for their strong personalities. To care for them, provide a warm environment with plenty of sunlight and a diet that includes grass, leafy greens, and some vegetables.
It’s important to keep their living area clean and to offer hiding spots. Russian tortoises are native to the dry regions of Central Asia, including parts of Russia and Kazakhstan.
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Care: Require a warm habitat with sunlight, a diet of grass and veggies, and clean living space
- Origins: Central Asia, including Russia and Kazakhstan
8. Red-Footed Tortoise
Red-footed tortoises are colorful and friendly pets that can live around 40 to 50 years. They need a warm and humid environment, with a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
Providing a shady area for them to escape the heat is essential. Regular soaking in shallow water helps keep them hydrated. Red-footed tortoises are originally found in the tropical forests of South America, especially in Brazil and Colombia.
- Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
- Care: Need a warm, humid habitat, a diet of fruits and veggies, and shady spots
- Origins: Tropical forests of South America, mainly Brazil and Colombia
9. Yellow-Footed Tortoise
The yellow-footed tortoise is known for its bright yellow markings and can live up to 30 to 50 years. They require a warm and humid environment and should be fed a diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
It’s important to provide them with areas to hide and a shallow water dish for soaking. Yellow-footed tortoises are found in the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil.
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Care: Need a warm, humid habitat, a diet of greens and fruits, and hiding places
- Origins: Rainforests of South America, mainly Brazil
10. Leopard Tortoise
The leopard tortoise is a large tortoise with a beautiful shell pattern, and they can live between 50 to 100 years. They need a warm and dry environment with plenty of space to roam.
Leopard tortoises are native to the savannas and grasslands of Africa, and their diet should consist mainly of grasses and some leafy greens. Providing a place to hide from the sun is also important.
- Lifespan: 50 to 100 years
- Care: Require a warm, dry habitat, a grass-based diet, and hiding spots
- Origins: Savannas and grasslands of Africa
11. Elongated Tortoise
The elongated tortoise is named for its long, streamlined shape and can live about 30 to 50 years. It requires a warm and humid habitat, and its diet should include a mix of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.
Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish for soaking is essential for their well-being. Elongated tortoises are found in the forests of Southeast Asia, including countries like Myanmar and Thailand.
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- Care: Need a warm, humid habitat, a diet of greens and fruits, and hiding spots
- Origins: Forests of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand
With proper care, love, and attention, these ancient creatures can thrive in your home and become cherished members of your family.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.