Summary ⁴

The Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis) is a species of turtle in the Testudinidae family. It is found in Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland.

Description ⁵

The Natal hinge-back tortoise is one of the smallest of the hinged tortoises. It has an elongated carapace up to 15.5 cm (6.1 in) in length which is slightly domed with a flat dorsal surface, although averaging between 8 and 14 cm (3.1 and 5.5 in) in length. Its hinge, on the underside of its shell, is also poorly developed compared to its relatives, being restricted to the marginals. This rudimentary hinge only develops later, and is absent in juveniles. The small tail terminates in a distinctive spike. It has a brown to yellow head is small to large with a non-projecting snout.

The scutes on its relatively elongated shell usually have concentric dark and light rings. Females are larger than males and usually more boldly marked. Unlike the other hinged tortoises, the males do not have a concave belly.[1]

Conservation ⁶

This tortoise is rare and considered near-threatened. and it is listed on CITES Appendix II.[2]

Sources and Credits ⁷

1. "Kinixys natalensis". C.H. Ernst, R.G.M. Altenburg & R.W. Barbour Turtles of the World. nlbif. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
2. "Kinixys natalensis (Natal Hinge-backed Tortoise, Natal Hinge-back Tortoise, Natal Hinged Tortoise)". International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) seasav, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by seasav
2. (c) Gordon Aeschimann, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Genus_Kinixys_%28english%29.jpg
3. Abu Shawka, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/Kinixys_natalensis_-_adult_male_Natal_Hinged_Tortoise_-_RSA.jpg
4. Adapted by calebcam from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinixys_natalensis
5. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natal_hinge-back_tortoise
6. Adapted by calebcam from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natal_hinge-back_tortoise
7. (c) calebcam, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

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