Serrated Tortoise
Psammobates oculifer
Points
20
per confirmed sighting
Serrated Tortoise.
Psammobates oculifer
Category
reptiles
Family
Testudinidae
Size
A defensible species-level adult size was not resolved from the checked authoritative accounts; no numerical value is inferred.
Points
20 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding serrated tortoise in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
Semi-arid to arid central-plateau habitats about 800–1,500 m, mainly savanna with peripheral dry Highveld grassland and Nama-Karoo. Favours undulating sandy plains with open trees, grass and shrubs.
Diet
Feeds mainly on forbs and succulents, switching to more grasses during dry conditions.
Behaviour
When to look
Activity is highest in spring. Low-level winter activity is documented in the Kimberley district, although aestivation or brumation during winter aridity/cold has also been reported.
Where to see it
South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
ZimbabweSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.