WILDLIFE

Tortoise or Turtle?

Tortoises and turtles do look alike and share some traits. Both are reptiles from the Chelonian family, shielded by a shell and generally reclusive and shy. So, how can we tell them apart?

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TORTOISE

Large, domed shell

Heavy shell

Short, sturdy feet with bent legs

Hatchlings move to burrow right away

Lifespan is 80–150 years

Oldest recorded was 326

Land-based

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TURTLE

Flat, streamlined shell

Light shell

Webbed feet with long claws

Hatchlings stay in nest three to four months

Lifespan is 20–40 years

Oldest recorded was 86

Aquatic