Bell's Hinge-Backed Tortoise
Encyclopedia
The Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) 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.
s, leaves
, fruits, and vegetation
. Its predators are leopards, hawks, and eagles
Tortoise
Tortoises are a family of land-dwelling reptiles of the order of turtles . Like their marine cousins, the sea turtles, tortoises are shielded from predators by a shell. The top part of the shell is the carapace, the underside is the plastron, and the two are connected by the bridge. The tortoise...
from the Testudinidae family. It has the hinge that all the tortoises in the genus Kinixys
Kinixys
Kinixys is a genus of turtles in the family Testudinidae. They are native to Africa, and commonly known as hinged tortoises. Some of these species are herbivores , although some also feed on worms and insects.-Species:* Forest hinge-back tortoise * Home's hinge-back tortoise * Natal...
have. This is the most common and widespread hinge-back
Kinixys
Kinixys is a genus of turtles in the family Testudinidae. They are native to Africa, and commonly known as hinged tortoises. Some of these species are herbivores , although some also feed on worms and insects.-Species:* Forest hinge-back tortoise * Home's hinge-back tortoise * Natal...
, found throughout a large part of sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa as a geographical term refers to the area of the African continent which lies south of the Sahara. A political definition of Sub-Saharan Africa, instead, covers all African countries which are fully or partially located south of the Sahara...
such as in Sudan
Sudan
Sudan , officially the Republic of the Sudan , is a country in North Africa, sometimes considered part of the Middle East politically. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the...
, Tanzania
Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
, DR Congo and down to southern Africa
Southern Africa
Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa ; nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.-UN...
. There are several subspecies
Subspecies
Subspecies in biological classification, is either a taxonomic rank subordinate to species, ora taxonomic unit in that rank . A subspecies cannot be recognized in isolation: a species will either be recognized as having no subspecies at all or two or more, never just one...
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, rootRoot
In vascular plants, the root is the organ of a plant that typically lies below the surface of the soil. This is not always the case, however, since a root can also be aerial or aerating . Furthermore, a stem normally occurring below ground is not exceptional either...
s, leaves
Leaves
-History:Vocalist Arnar Gudjonsson was formerly the guitarist with Mower, and he was joined by Hallur Hallsson , Arnar Ólafsson , Bjarni Grímsson , and Andri Ásgrímsson . Late in 2001 they played with Emiliana Torrini and drew early praise from the New York Times...
, fruits, and vegetation
Vegetation
Vegetation is a general term for the plant life of a region; it refers to the ground cover provided by plants. It is a general term, without specific reference to particular taxa, life forms, structure, spatial extent, or any other specific botanical or geographic characteristics. It is broader...
. Its predators are leopards, hawks, and eagles
Eagles
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1971 by Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner.With five number one singles, six Grammys, five American Music Awards, and six number one albums, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the...
Subspecies
- K. b. belliana - Bell's hinge-back
- K. b. domerguei - Madagascan hinge-back
- K. b. nogeuyi - Western hinge-back
- K. b. zombensis - Southeastern hinge-back