Title:

The Bushmanland Tent Tortoise (Namibia form), Psammobates tentorius verroxii - Field observations, free-range husbandry and reproduction in Namibia

Author(s):
Publication Year:
2020
Abstract:

Bushmanland Tent Tortoises Psammobates tentorius verroxii (Smith, 1839) have a relatively large distribution area, which extends from southern Namibia to South Africa (large parts of the Cape Province and Karoo). This species mainly lives in dry, sandy landscapes with quartz stones, sparse grass and small bushes (often three-thorn bushes) (Fig. 1). The biotopes in Namibia and South Africa are similar, but there are significant differences in the annual rainfall. The areas of extreme drought in the distribution area of Psammobates t. verroxii are more noticeable in Namibia than in South Africa. The populations from southern Namibia, especially, usually have to survive longer periods of drought with annual rainfall levels below 100mm. That is why they have specially adapted during the past. These adaptations will be discussed in depth later in the text. Keywords: Psammobates, Field and Captive Observation, Husbandry, Behaviour, Captive Propagation.

Publication Title:

Journal of the Namibia Scientific Society

Volume:
67
Pages:
47-59
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en