Want to know where and when to find Kalahari Tent Tortoise? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Kalahari Tent Tortoise in South Africa
About the Kalahari Tent Tortoise
A small tortoise of the arid Kalahari region, favouring thornveld, bushveld and arid grassland across Botswana, Namibia and the western border areas of South Africa. It is thinly and widely distributed, with individuals normally rare and far apart, and is internationally known as the serrated tortoise for the ray-like black star pattern radiating across each shell scute on a tan background.
How to identify the Kalahari Tent Tortoise
Low-domed shell strongly serrated along the front and back margins, with a radiating star pattern of black rays on each tan scute; males have a longer tail, taller conical scutes and a concave belly
Did you know?
Traditionally, San people used the shells of small tortoises like this one to make tobacco and perfume cases, a practice now restricted by conservation law to protect this declining, sparsely distributed species.
Also known as: Serrated Tortoise
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Kalahari Tent Tortoise, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.