Elongated Tortoise

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Humid forests and hilly jungles of Southeast Asia, ranging from India to Vietnam. Prefers shaded, leaf-littered forest floors.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Testudinidae, genus Indotestudo. Characterized by its elongated, narrow honey-yellow carapace.

Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial and crepuscular. Most active during dawn and dusk, avoiding the direct afternoon sun by sheltering under thick shrubs.

Morphology: Oblong shell with black patches on scutes. Males have a deeply concave plastron and a longer, thicker tail with a terminal spur.

Terrarium Setup: Needs a large indoor pen or secure outdoor enclosure (minimum 200x100 cm). Substrate should be organic soil, cypress mulch, and leaves, with dense plantings for shade.

Lighting and Heating: Ambient daytime 24-29 °C, with a basking spot at 32 °C. Night temperatures should stay above 20 °C. Linear UVB lighting is required.

Humidity and Hydration: Keep humidity levels high (65-80%) by misting daily. Provide a large, shallow water pan for soaking and drinking.

Feeding and Supplementation: Herbivorous. Diet consists of dandelion greens, clover, grasses, endive, and occasional forest fruits and mushrooms. Dust food with calcium/D3.

Compatibility: Can be housed as a group of one male and multiple females in spacious enclosures. Never house multiple males together.

Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to respiratory infections in dry conditions. Pyramiding of the shell occurs if fed high-protein foods or kept without UVB.