How Long Do Tortoises Live? Vet Reviewed Average Lifespan, Data & Care
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Tortoises are fascinating reptiles that have been around for over 55 million years, inhabiting all kinds of habitats, from forests to deserts. They also happen to be among the longest-living animal species in the world. The oldest known living tortoise, Jonathan, is estimated to be at least 190 years old! Compared with pet terrapins (aquatic turtles) that live an average of 10-30 years, the average lifespan of a tortoise can often exceed 50 years!
What affects a tortoise’s lifespan? Is there something that you can do to prolong the life of your pet tortoise?
Read on to learn valuable information about how long tortoises live, what affects their lifespan, how to tell a tortoise’s age, and more!
Tortoise Average Lifespan
Tortoises are unique reptiles that can have extremely long lifespans. That said, the average lifespan of a tortoise will depend on the species. When kept as pets, some tortoise species may only live for 20 – 30 years, while other species can live up to 150 years in such conditions.
Here is a list of the most common tortoise species, along with their respective life expectancies:
| Russian Tortoise: | 50–100 years |
| Pancake Tortoise: | 35–50 years |
| Speckled Tortoise: | 100+ years |
| Egyptian Tortoise: | 70–100 years |
| Sulcata Tortoise: | 30–50, but could live up to 120 years |
| Hermann’s Tortoise: | 70–100 years or more |
| Greek Tortoise: | 100+ years |
| Gopher Tortoise: | 40–90+ years |
| Hinge back Tortoise: | 20–60 years |
| Red-Footed Tortoise: | 25–50 years |
In general, most tortoise species can live around 50 years if properly cared for; their lifespan is usually much longer in captivity than in the wild.
However, keep in mind that not all these tortoise species can be kept as pets. There are legal rules that you must follow when owning a tortoise. It’s best to follow USARK news directly to ensure that ownership of your pet won’t cross any legal guidelines and land you in trouble.
How Long Do Tortoises Live in the Wild?
The average lifespan of tortoises in the wilderness depends on the species. Once a tortoise matures beyond the juvenile stage, they are less susceptible to predation and more robust and resilient to changes in environmental conditions. Habitat reduction and destruction are the main threats faced by most wild tortoises.
In more protected areas, tortoises can expect to reach their maximum lifespan, barring illness or injury, however, some species will live longer in captivity. However, as tortoise health is very much dependent on the quality of their environment, their survival under the care of humans is very much dependent on the conditions in which they are kept, and how well they are cared for.
How to Care for Your Tortoise for a Long Lifespan
With proper care in all aspects of your tortoise’s life, as well as commitment and dedication, you can improve your tortoise’s quality of life and overall health, enhancing their chances for longevity.
Here’s what you need to know on how to care for your tortoise for a long lifespan.
Feeding & Diet
Most tortoise species are herbivorous, so their meals should consist of plant-based foods, mainly grass, and hay. Their diet should also include green veggies like Romaine lettuce, dandelion greens, and kale, along with squash, zucchini, and occasional fruit treats. Fruits that you can safely offer to your tortoise include mangos, watermelons, papayas, and strawberries.
Tortoises kept in captivity may require calcium supplementation, but always ask your veterinarian before choosing a particular product for your pet tortoise.
Environment
Tortoises require large enclosures, though the size will vary based on the species you own. Ideally, the enclosure should be at least 12 inches higher than your tortoise when standing on its back legs. Tortoises are great climbers, so short enclosures may allow them to get out and escape.
The space should also be large enough for your tortoise to roam and have separate sleeping, eating, and drinking areas. These reptiles also benefit from having an environment that resembles their natural habitats. Try to enrich their space with treats, toys, digging spots, and places where they can hide and play.
If you have a large tortoise species, it might be best to create a safe outdoor pen where they can freely explore their environment.
Care
Once you have their diet and enclosure set up correctly, these placid creatures are relatively low maintenance.
- All tortoises have specific needs when it comes to their nighttime, daytime, and basking temperatures; these should be adjusted as needed.
- If kept indoors, tortoises require UV lighting, as this is crucial for the health of all reptiles.
- You’ll need to adjust the humidity in the tortoise’s enclosure to match the natural habitat of that species.
- You should feed your tortoise every 1-2 days (daily or twice daily when growing), offer them fresh water, and clean the enclosure.
- Wear gloves and protect your hands when handling your tortoise and cleaning their enclosure; tortoises can transfer various illnesses to humans.
- Handling should be done with care and only when necessary.
Healthcare
All tortoises should have an annual veterinary exam where the vet will perform a full health check on them. This usually includes:
- Full physical exam
- Weight check
- Husbandry review
- General health assessment
The Life Stages of a Tortoise
Tortoises live long lives, which means it takes a long time for them to progress from one life stage to the next. However, they need different levels and types of care according to their life stage. Although it can vary according to the species of tortoise, as well as factors like health and welfare, below is a rough guide to the different stages in a tortoise’s life.
1. Nesting
A clutch of eggs will typically include anywhere from a single to 20 eggs. The eggs are either incubated in soil or a special incubator, and they will stay in the nesting stage for up to 3 or 4 months depending on the temperature and species.
2. Hatchling
When it is time to leave the egg, a hatchling tortoise will use their caruncle to break open the egg and then push the rest of their body through. They eat the egg sac, and after this first meal, hatchlings need nutritious foods to ensure good development.
3. Juvenile
Because tortoises live so long, they stay in the juvenile stage for as long as 20 years, although some will mature at around 10 years. Tortoises are considered to have reached the end of the juvenile stage when they reach sexual maturity.
4. Adult
Once a tortoise reaches sexual maturity they are considered an adult. Depending on the species, a tortoise can live well over 100 years, which means one could be in the adult stage for 80 to 100 years or more.
How to Tell Your Tortoise’s Age
If you don’t know how old your tortoise is, here are a few tips to help you get a rough idea of their age:
Examine the Tortoise’s Shell and Coloration
One of the easiest ways to tell if a tortoise is young or old is to examine their shell. Tortoises that are small in size and have elastic and flexible shells are likely to be quite young, while large tortoises with hard shells that have scratches and dents are likely older.
You can also observe the color of the shell. Generally speaking, tortoises have shells that darker n with age. So, the darker the shell, the older the tortoise. However, tortoises can sometimes experience shell coloration changes due to illness, and they may require medical attention.
Check for Other Indicators of Aging
A tortoise may not physically change drastically after they reach a certain age. However, you can look for other indicators of aging in your tortoise to determine whether your pet is elderly.
- Basking more than usual
- Reduced mobility
- Limb stiffness
- Less physical activity
- Less frequent egg-laying (for female tortoises)
Conclusion
Tortoises are animals with extremely long lifespans. Most species live around 50 years in the care of humans, but many can live even longer, and it’s not unusual for a tortoise to outlive their human carers.
So if you are wanting to welcome a tortoise into your home, make sure you are prepared to provide it with an ideal diet and appropriate environment. If you get things right, you may just have to make sure you also arrange for someone to inherit your tortoise when you’re gone!
Featured Image Credit: Erni, Shutterstock
