Title
Indotestudo elongata (Blyth 1854) – Elongated Tortoise, Yellow-headed Tortoise, Yellow Tortoise
Author(s)
Ihlow, Flora;Dawson, Jeffrey E. ;Hartmann, Timo ;Som, Sitha
Published
2016
Publisher
Chelonian Research Monographs
Abstract
Summary. – The Elongated Tortoise, Indotestudo elongata (Family Testudinidae), is a mediumsized
tortoise with a straight carapace length of up to 360 mm. The species is sexually dimorphic;
among the morphological differences between the sexes, males and females differ in facial coloration
during the breeding season. Indotestudo elongata inhabits low to mid-elevation habitats in Southeast
Asia: open deciduous dipterocarp forests, grasslands, bamboo forests, secondary forests, and hilly
evergreen forests. The species is a generalist omnivore. In the wild, courtship and mating take place
at the beginning of the rainy season. Clutches of up to 10 eggs are laid toward the end of the wet
period; hatchlings emerge from the nest at the beginning of the subsequent rainy season. The species
is heavily exploited by humans for food and traditional medicine across its range. In addition, I.
elongata is greatly affected by habitat destruction, fragmentation, and loss. As a result, although
protected by international and national regulations, the species has undergone severe population
declines. Recommended conservation measures include greater enforcement of wildlife protection
laws, conservation breeding and monitored releases of tortoises, and continued research.
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PUB19233