Tortoise: Areas of sandy ridges, sand dune country; in high pine woods of peninsular Florida; digs extensive, well-made burrows in colonies; width and depth of burrows vary with size of tortoise; enlarged as tortoise grows; each burrow ends in small chamber; sometimes 2 tortoises occupy the same burrow; burrows furnish homes for many other animals also, such as opossums, raccoons, snakes, rabbits, gophers, and frogs Reproduction: Oviparous; 5-6 eggs deposited April-July Tortoise must have freedom of room. Needs retreat and sleeping quarters to use at will. Knock out most of i end of barrel big enough for pet to fit in; leave just enough board to keep bedding material from spilling out. Place barrel on its side. Provide with thick layer of sandy soil covered with thick layer of dry leaves and grass. Warmth—Most important; allow tortoise to bask in sun at will; when maintained outside its natural range, its sleeping barrel must be placed near heating unit. Quarters must be dry and warm at all times; must not become chilled at night. Reptiles can regulate their body temperature, but they do so by behavior rather than physiological means. The animals sun themselves until their body temperature has risen to its optimum; then they hide away in holes or crevices to prevent overheating. When it is very hot, the African tortoise Testudo sulcata can maintain a body temperature of about 105° F (40.5° C) by copious salivation, which wets the head, neck, and front legs. This draws heavily upon the tortoise's body water, however, and cannot be sustained for prolonged periods.

Pages about Tortoise:

- Suggestive tortoise shell