How Fast Can a Tortoise Run? Speed Comparison & FAQ

Tortoises are notorious for their slow speed. Many people read Aesop’s Fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” as children, where the proverb “slow and steady wins the race” originated. But if knowing that they’re slow isn’t enough for you, and you’re deeply curious about the exact speed of a tortoise, you’ve come to the right place.

A tortoise’s speed can vary greatly by species; however, the average top speed for these reptiles is 0.25 miles per hour. Read on to learn more about the tortoise’s running speed and why they’re so slow in the first place (Spoiler alert: it’s not to deceive an arrogant hare!).

How Fast Do Tortoises Run?

While tortoise speed can vary from species to species, the average top speed is roughly 0.12 to 0.25 miles per hour.

The Sulcata Tortoise that inhabits the southern edge of the Sahara Desert tops out at out 0.3 miles per hour. Russian Tortoises endemic to Central Asia can be much faster, reaching a top speed of approximately 5 miles per hour. This may be due to their much smaller size, as they’re usually less than 10 inches long and weigh less than 2.5 pounds. The Greek Tortoise is one of five species of Mediterranean tortoise. Like the Russian Tortoise, they’re small, topping out at around 5 pounds, so they can move relatively quickly when needed. Their top speed is about 5 miles per hour.

Why Are Tortoises So Slow?

Tortoises are slow for two main reasons. First, there was never an evolutionary need for them to be fast. They’re herbivores, meaning they eat plant material which, as you can imagine, isn’t a fast-moving prey that needs to be caught.

Secondly, a tortoise’s shell can also determine its top speed. Shells are quite heavy for them to lug around. Depending on the age and size of the animal, the shells alone can weigh up to 25 pounds! Additionally, the shell is a great defense mechanism, so tortoises never had to evolve to escape their predators.

Comparing Tortoise Running Speed

The 3 Main Factors that Affect a Tortoise’s Speed

1. Physical Characteristics

The physical size of the tortoise will determine its top speed. Bigger and heavier tortoises will generally move slower than their small and lighter counterparts. Some tortoise species can weigh as much as 550 pounds or more, so you can imagine those bigger ones will naturally have to move more slowly.

2. Environment

The temperature and humidity in the environment can affect the tortoise’s speed. These reptiles are cold-blooded creatures that rely on external conditions to regulate their metabolism and body temperature. Some tortoises may move more slowly on warmer days to conserve energy.

3. Overall Health

The tortoise’s overall health can also impact its speed. Health problems like respiratory infections, metabolic bone disease, or parasites will affect a tortoise’s energy level and mobility.

As with humans, older tortoises or those that aren’t as healthy will move more slowly.

What Is the Fastest Tortoise on Land?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the fastest tortoise on land award goes to a Leopard Tortoise named Bertie in the United Kingdom. This speedy little guy conquered a 17.9-foot-long course in 19.59 seconds, equaling a speed of approximately 0.28 meters per second, or 0.6 miles per hour.

Final Thoughts

While tortoises certainly aren’t known for being quick on their feet, they are fascinating creatures, especially when you consider why they move so slowly in the first place. Yes, their speed is unimpressive compared to that of other animals and even other types of turtles, but they have never needed to evolve in such a way that how fast they move is necessary for their survival. Humans can certainly stand to learn a thing or two about patience and consistency from the tortoise.

Featured Image Credit: Beate Wolter, Shutterstock