Speckled Dwarf Tortoise
Chersobius signatus
Points
20
per confirmed sighting
Speckled Dwarf Tortoise.
Chersobius signatus
Category
reptiles
Family
Testudinidae
Size
Females about 52–110 mm straight carapace length; males about 52–96 mm.
Points
20 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding speckled dwarf tortoise in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
Rocky terrain in the winter-rainfall north-western Succulent Karoo and Fynbos, from near sea level to about 1,000 m. Shelters in rock crevices and beneath boulders or rock slabs.
Diet
Feeds on a broad variety of flowers, leaves and stems from forbs, grasses, succulents and shrubs.
Behaviour
When to look
Basks for long periods in winter and spring, when food is abundant; seasonal activity and thermal behaviour are strongly linked to rainfall and temperature.
Where to see it
South AfricaSafety 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.