Points

20

per confirmed sighting

ReptileConservation status: Least ConcernUncommon to spot
reptiles • Testudinidae

Speke's Hinge-Back Tortoise.

S

Kinixys spekii

Category

reptiles

Family

Testudinidae

Size

Typical straight carapace length is about 130–180 mm; published maxima are approximately 181 mm for males and 210 mm for females.

Points

20 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding speke's hinge-back tortoise in its natural range.

Overview

How to identify it

Habitat

Subtropical savanna, mixed bushveld and thornveld in Southern Africa; avoids Highveld grassland. Uses mammal burrows and rock crevices for cover.

Diet

Omnivorous. A detailed Zimbabwe study found roughly 47% vascular plants, 41% fungi and 12% invertebrates, with fungi preferred when available.

Behaviour

When to look

Seasonal activity is constrained by rainfall and food supply, while daily activity is limited by high temperatures; dry-season brumation is documented in Zimbabwe.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaMozambique flagMozambiqueEswatini flagEswatiniMalawi flagMalawiAngola flagAngola

Safety 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.