Malacochersus tornieri

Arid terrestrial tortoise terrarium / tortoise table, geared towards floor surface area and rocky structures rather than height.

The sizing above is a minimum for one adult; bigger is always preferable, and groups require considerably more space. The most important element is a stack of flat stone slabs forming genuine narrow horizontal crevices where the animal can wedge itself and take refuge. Fix the rocks firmly (risk of crushing) and close/cover the enclosure: it is a climber and an escape artist. Good ventilation.

An overall dry and well-ventilated atmosphere. Nonetheless maintain a slightly more humid crevice or shelter (microclimate): in the wild, these tortoises occupy fissures that retain moisture. Juveniles are more susceptible to dehydration and benefit from a humid corner and regular baths.

The rocky structure takes precedence over the substrate itself. Avoid pure sand (risk of impaction if ingested) and any dusty or permanently over-humid material. Keep the whole mostly dry with a localised, more humid spot.

Essential: a powerful desert-type UVB source (index ~10-12%, or a T5 HO tube / mercury-vapour lamp depending on the distance), replaced regularly. Without adequate UVB combined with calcium, metabolic bone disease appears rapidly.

A small, shallow container of clean water at all times. Offer shallow lukewarm baths (especially to juveniles) several times a week for hydration and gut transit; the animal must always be able to get out without any risk of drowning.

East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania and northern Zambia. Lives exclusively on the rocky outcrops and boulder piles (kopjes) of arid, scrubby savannas, between 100 and 1800 m of altitude. A PROTECTED SPECIES: listed on CITES Appendix I since 2019 (maximum protection) and classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the IUCN; trade is very strictly regulated. Only acquire captive-bred specimens with legal traceability.

Herbivore — None (no animal prey)

A diet high in fibre and low in protein: a base of hay and dry grasses, supplemented with edible wild plants (dandelion, plantain, clover in moderation), foliage, edible flowers and, occasionally, succulent plants. Ban sugary fruit, table scraps and any animal protein (they promote pyramiding and kidney disorders). Regular calcium supplementation (with D3 suited to the UVB) and cuttlebone available. Clean water and good hydration remain essential despite the arid environment.

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Egg-laying most often of a single egg (rarely 2), but several clutches are possible within the same season. A naturally low reproductive rate, which makes the species vulnerable and wild trade particularly damaging. Long incubation (about 100 to 140 days around 28-30 °C depending on the sources). Monitor females to prevent egg retention.

• Metabolic bone disease (osteodystrophy) from a UVB and/or calcium deficiency
• Respiratory infections, often linked to temperatures that are too low or to unsuitable humidity
• Significant internal parasitism, particularly in wild-caught specimens (to be avoided legally and ethically)
• Egg retention (dystocia) in females
• Dehydration and urinary stones linked to insufficient water intake