Negev tortoise facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Negev tortoise |
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| Specimen at the Western Negev | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Testudo
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| Species: |
werneri
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| Black - regionally extinct Red - current distribution |
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The Negev tortoise (Testudo werneri) is a tortoise found mainly in the Negev desert in southern Israel. It was once present in the Sinai Peninsula. In Israel it is protected by law and there are conservation programs. It is currently considered a critically endangered species.
The Negev is one of the world's smallest tortoises. Unlike other tortoises it does not hibernate in winter. Instead, winter is the breeding season. In 2010 the IUCN recommended that Israel take additional steps to protect the Negev tortoise including creating a wildlife preserve.
There is some disagreement over whether the Negev tortoise is the same species as the Kleinmann's tortoise.
Images for kids
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Belly of the Egyptian tortoise
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Characteristic specimens of the Egyptian tortoise (left) and Negev tortoise (right), dorsal view
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Ventral view: Differences are slight and unreliable (see above)
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Intercepted shipment of Kleinmann's tortoise from Libya for the illegal pet market, port of Genoa, 2005.
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T. kleinmanni now in Bioparco: Smuggling conditions are typically worse.
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T. kleinmanni from Libya.
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Kleinmann's tortoise, carapace fractured during smuggling.
