Scientific Name: Kinixys belliana

These tortoises are native to tropical central and southern Africa.  They are also found in northern Madagascar.

Maximum size: 8.5”

Temperature range:  Day 80°-85° F  Night 68°-72° F

Lighting: When housed indoors, florescent UVB bulbs and a basking light are required.

Food:  Diet should consist of a variety of dark leafy greens, squash, fruits, corn, crickets, mealworms, and earthworms.  Use a high quality calcium and multi-vitamin supplement daily.

Water:  A large bowl of fresh, clean water should be provided daily.

Housing/Habitat: Tortoises do best if housed outdoors allowing them to receive natural sunlight.   They must be housed in a secure pen, as they are very good diggers and climbers.  A wire mesh pen set several inches into the ground, works best.  The bottom of the pen should be covered with enough soft sand and orchid or cypress bark to facilitate digging and burrowing. Shelter from damp or rainy conditions must be provided.  The tortoise should be moved to a dry indoor terrarium in prolonged spells of cold, wet weather.  Tortoises can be housed indoors in a dry terrarium with an under tank heating pad, the same substrate as outdoors and the addition of proper lighting.