Bell's hinge-back tortoise

The Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana)^[1] is a species of tortoise from the Testudinidae family. It has the hinge that all the tortoises in the genus Kinixys have. This is the most common and widespread hinge-back, found throughout a large part of sub-Saharan Africa such as in Sudan, Tanzania, DR Congo and down to southern Africa. There are several subspecies and the Bell's hinge-back tortoise is subject to wide variation throughout its extensive range.

Description

The Bell's hinge-back tortoise is a small-sized light brown tortoise. They can grow up to 22 cm. On the back of its shell, the tortoise has a 90 degree hinge which, when closed, can protect its rear legs and tail from predators. This broad band of flexible connective tissue is located between the 4th and 5th costals and the 7th and 8th peripherals in adults. Most Bell's hinge-backs have five claws on each forefoot except for one of the subspecies, K. b. nogeuyi.

Distribution and habitat

The Bell's hinge-back tortoise prefers sub-Saharan deserts and savannahs. It probably lives in forests.

Diet

Like most tortoises, the Bell's hinge-back tortoise is a herbivore. It feeds on twigs, roots, leaves, fruits, and vegetation. Its predators are leopards, hawks, and eagles

Subspecies

• K. b. belliana - Bell's hinge-back^[1]
• K. b. domerguei - Madagascan hinge-back^[1]
• K. b. nogeuyi - Western hinge-back^[1]
• K. b. zombensis - Southeastern hinge-back^[1]

Source

^{[2] [3]}

References

Bibliography

• Rhodin, Anders G.J.; Paul van Dijk, Peter; Inverson, John B.; Shaffer, H. Bradley (2010-12-14). "Turtles of the World 2010 Update: Annotated Checklist of Taxonomy, Synonymy, Distribution and Conservation Status" (pdf). Archived from the original on 2010-12-15. http://www.webcitation.org/5uzfktoIh. Retrieved 2010-12-15.