The Most Popular Tortoise, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the tortoise you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:51
In the quiet corners of a lush garden, the serene pace of tortoises has always captivated the hearts of those who pause long enough to observe them. Their unique shells, varied sizes, and calm demeanor make each one distinctly fascinating. By ranking the most popular tortoise, enthusiasts can share their admiration and help others learn about the subtle differences and appeal of these reptilian creatures.
This list serves as a collective judgment, shaped by the preferences and votes of tortoise fans from all over. Whether you have a favorite based on its behavior, habitat, or just its appearance, your vote helps others understand what makes each tortoise special. Engage with the community, cast your vote, and see how your favorite measures up against others in real-time.
What Is the Most Popular Tortoise?
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179votes
Nicholasink · Public domainThis species is a popular pet because they are small, hardy, and easy to care for. They are also active and have a friendly personality.The Russian Tortoise, also known as the horsfield's tortoise, is a small and adorable species of tortoise found in Central Asia. It is highly sought after for its striking appearance and charming personality. Its beautiful shell patterns and friendly disposition make it a popular choice among tortoise enthusiasts.- Scientific Name: Agrionemys horsfieldii
- Size: Adults reach an average shell length of 6 to 8 inches
- Lifespan: Can live up to 50-60 years with proper care
- Shell Color: Ranging from yellowish-brown to dark brown, often with radiating patterns
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on various plants, grasses, and vegetables
Russian Tortoise in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful tortoise in the world
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246votesAlso known as the sulcata tortoise, this species is the third-largest tortoise in the world and can grow up to 200 pounds. They are popular as pets because of their docile nature, but they require a lot of space and specialized care.The African Spurred Tortoise, also known as the Sulcata Tortoise, is a large and impressive species of tortoise native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa. It is considered one of the most beautiful tortoises in the world due to its distinctive appearance and impressive size.
- Scientific Name: Centrochelys sulcata
- Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm) in shell length
- Weight: Can reach 100 pounds (45 kg) or more
- Lifespan: Can live up to 80 years or longer
- Shell Pattern: Rough, scaly appearance with prominent growth rings
African Spurred Tortoise in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful tortoise in the world
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320votes
Flints · CC BY-SA 3.0Red-Footed Tortoise
Natural evolutionThis species has a colorful and unique appearance, making them popular as pets or for display in zoos or aquariums. They are also social and can be kept in groups.The Red-Footed Tortoise is a medium-sized species of tortoise native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive red or orange scales on its legs and head, which give it its name. The shell of the Red-Footed Tortoise is typically brown or black and can reach up to 16 inches in length. They are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them popular pets among tortoise enthusiasts.- Scientific Name: Chelonoidis carbonarius
- Average Lifespan: 50-60 years
- Size: Adults can grow up to 16 inches in length
- Weight: 4-15 pounds
- Habitat: Rainforests and tropical regions
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415votes
The original uploader was Pandanus at German Wikipedia. · Public domainThis species is famous for its long lifespan and giant size, with some individuals weighing up to 900 pounds. They are also admired for their role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.The Galapagos Tortoise is a species of giant tortoise endemic to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. It is the largest living species of tortoise and one of the longest-lived vertebrates, with a lifespan of over 100 years. They are known for their distinctive shell shape and high-domed carapace, which helps them survive in different habitats. Galapagos Tortoises are herbivores, mainly feeding on grasses, cacti, and leaves. They have a slow metabolism and can survive without water or food for months. Due to their size, they play a significant role in shaping the vegetation of their habitats. The species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to historical human exploitation, habitat destruction, and introduced predators.- Scientific Name: Chelonoidis nigra
- Habitat: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Size: Adults can reach lengths of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) and weigh more than 900 pounds (400 kilograms).
- Lifespan: Over 100 years
- Diet: Herbivorous - mainly feeds on grasses, cacti, and leaves
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59votesThis small and colorful species is popular among collectors and hobbyists, but they are not recommended as pets due to their specialized care requirements.The Egyptian Tortoise is a small-sized species of tortoise native to the deserts of Egypt and the Middle East. It is known for its distinctive appearance and is highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts. This tortoise species is considered to be one of the most popular among tortoise enthusiasts due to its unique characteristics.
- Scientific Name: Testudo kleinmanni
- Family: Testudinidae
- Size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length
- Weight: Around 100-200 grams
- Lifespan: Up to 50 years or more in captivity
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64votes
Orchi · CC BY-SA 3.0Hermann's Tortoise
Jean HermannThis species is native to Europe and is popular as a pet due to its small size, hardiness, and easy care. They also have a distinctive appearance, with a yellow and black pattern on their shell.The Hermann's Tortoise is a species of tortoise native to southern Europe. It is named after French biologist Jean Hermann, who first described it in 1804. This tortoise is highly popular among reptile enthusiasts due to its attractive appearance and manageable size. It has a domed carapace that can range in color from yellowish-brown to dark brown, with distinct markings. The Hermann's Tortoise is known for its ability to hibernate and withstand lower temperatures compared to other tortoise species.- Scientific Name: Testudo hermanni
- Length: 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in)
- Weight: up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
- Lifespan: 50-100 years
- Habitat: Mediterranean shrubland, grasslands, forests
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714votes
Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 3.0This species is named for its distinctive pattern and is popular as a pet due to its relatively small size and friendly personality. They are also active and enjoy exploring their environment.The Leopard Tortoise is a large and visually striking species of tortoise known for its beautiful markings on its shell and body. It belongs to the Genus Stigmochelys and is native to the eastern and southern regions of Africa.- Scientific Name: Stigmochelys pardalis
- Size: Adults can grow up to 18-24 inches (45-61 cm) in length
- Weight: They can weigh between 25-50 pounds (11-23 kg)
- Shell: The shell is high-domed and usually has a beautiful yellow to light brown coloration with distinct black blotches and spots, resembling a leopard's pattern
- Skin: The skin is usually yellowish to tan in color with darker spots, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitat
Leopard Tortoise in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful tortoise in the world
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88votes
“Jonathan Zander (Digon3)" · CC BY-SA 3.0This species is native to North America and is popular as a pet due to its friendly nature, easy care, and small size. However, they require a specialized diet and environment to thrive.The Box Turtle is a small to medium-sized terrestrial turtle belonging to the genus Terrapene. It is commonly found in North America and is highly popular as a pet due to its distinct appearance and manageable size.- Average Size: 4 - 6 inches
- Shell Pattern: Domed shell with intricate yellow and brown patterns
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and wetlands
- Lifespan: 30 - 40 years
- Diet: Omnivorous - eats both plant matter and small invertebrates
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98votes
Jacob.jose · CC BY-SA 3.0This species is popular as a pet due to its unique appearance, with a star-like pattern on its shell. They are also active and have a friendly personality.The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a species of tortoise native to the dry forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. It is widely recognized for its unique and striking shell pattern, which resembles a starburst or radiating star formations. The shell is high-domed and has prominent black lines extending from the center, with yellow or cream-colored spaces in between. The head and limbs of the Indian Star Tortoise are also adorned with bright yellow or cream-colored markings.- Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans
- Habitat: Dry forests of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan
- Shell Pattern: Distinctive starburst or radiating star formations
- Shell Shape: High-domed
- Coloration: Light to dark brown shell with black lines and yellow/cream-colored spaces
Indian Star Tortoise in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful tortoise in the world
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104votesThis species is native to Europe and is popular as a pet due to its distinctive appearance, hardiness, and easy care. They are also social and can be kept in groups.The Marginated Tortoise is a species of tortoise native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its impressive size and distinctive appearance.
- Scientific Name: Testudo marginata
- Size: Adults can grow up to 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) in length
- Weight: Can range from 6 to 12 pounds (2.7-5.4 kg)
- Shell: The shell is dark with prominent growth rings and pale yellow or white spots
- Habitat: Natural habitats include rocky hillsides, shrublands, and open woodlands
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Ranking factors for popular tortoise
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AvailabilityHow easy it is to find the species in the pet trade or in the wild.
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SizeSmaller tortoise species may be more convenient to keep in smaller spaces and may be more popular as pets for that reason.
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PersonalitySome tortoise species may be more interactive and sociable than others, which can make them more appealing as pets.
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Care requirementsTortoise species with simpler care requirements will generally by more popular than species that require more specialized care.
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AppearanceThe coloration and patterns of a tortoise species can be a factor in popularity.
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EnduranceThe ability of a tortoise species to tolerate different temperature ranges can be attractive to keepers.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular tortoise. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Tortoise is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1885 views
- 206 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Tortoise once every 24 hours. The rank of each Tortoise is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular tortoise
Tortoises have been a popular choice of pet for many years, and with their unique appearance and calm demeanor, it's no wonder why. These reptiles are known for their longevity, with some species living up to 150 years. However, when it comes to popularity, there are a few species that stand out above the rest. The most popular tortoises include the Russian tortoise, the Hermann's tortoise, and the sulcata tortoise. Each of these species has its own unique characteristics and traits, making them a favorite among tortoise enthusiasts. Whether you are a first-time tortoise owner or an experienced reptile enthusiast, these popular species are sure to make a great addition to any collection.
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