Chersina angulata

Spacious terrestrial enclosure / tortoise table with solid walls. A secure outdoor enclosure is strongly recommended in a mild, dry climate.

Minimum dimensions for ONE adult; bigger is always better. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed on CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B) — legal certificate/documents mandatory upon acquisition and transfer. Strictly individual housing for males (extreme aggressiveness). Wild-caught specimens acclimatise poorly, are often parasitised and are not recommended: favour captive-bred and declared animals.

A broadly dry environment. Avoid chronically high humidity (it promotes shell fungal infections and respiratory infections). Nonetheless provide a localised humid hide and baths for juveniles in order to prevent pyramiding and dehydration.

A free-draining substrate, dry at the surface, with a slightly more humid zone under the hide. Avoid fine dusty substrates or constantly waterlogged ones.

High UVB is essential (open, sunny habitat): a 10-12% UVB tube (T5 HO) or a mercury-vapour lamp covering the whole area, replaced every 6-12 months. Exposure to unfiltered natural sunlight is very beneficial.

A shallow, clean water dish available at all times (the animal drinks mainly after rain). Regular lukewarm baths, particularly for juveniles, to ensure hydration.

South Africa (Western Cape and coastal areas), extending to southern Namibia. Semi-arid fynbos and coastal scrub habitats, with a warm, dry Mediterranean-type climate.

Herbivore (high-fibre, low-protein diet) — N/A — herbivorous; occasional opportunistic behaviour in the wild (carrion, rabbit faeces), neither necessary nor recommended in captivity

Base: grasses, wild herbs (dandelion, plantain, clover in small amounts), non-toxic succulents and flowers. High in fibre, low in protein and fruit. Calcium supplementation is essential (cuttlebone, snail shells) — this reproduces its natural taste for shells. An overly rich/high-protein diet causes pyramiding.

Clutch 1–1 eggs/young. An unusual laying pattern: a single (relatively large) egg per clutch, repeated 3 to 7 times per season. Long and variable incubation, about 90 to 220 days depending on temperature. Diapause possible.

• Metabolic bone disease / shell dystrophy (calcium deficiency or insufficient UVB)
• Carapace pyramiding (excess protein, humidity too high, lack of fibre)
• Respiratory infections (damp cold, poorly ventilated environment)
• Egg retention / dystocia in females
• Intestinal parasitism and dehydration, especially in wild-caught specimens