There are many tortoise breeds with characteristic and uniqueness that attract us to pet them, such as their hard shell covering almost their entire bodie.
These reptiles are known to be ancient beings, having roamed the Earth for millions of years. In fact, these slow-moving creatures have been around for approximately 200 million years.
Despite their long existence, the physical form of turtles has undergone minimal changes, making this an exceptional and unique trait exclusive to turtles as ancient creatures that have endured to the present day.
With various peculiarities and inherent characteristics, it’s no wonder that there is a considerable interest in keeping turtles as high-maintenance pets. To date, several turtle species are known to be suitable and friendly for home companionship, each with its distinct set of characteristics.
Best Tortoise Breeds for Pets
For those intrigued, be prepared to allocate hundreds of thousands to millions of Indonesian rupiahs to acquire a pet turtle. As reported by Liputan6.com, here are some tortoise breeds and their characteristics that might be recommendations for you.
1. Sulcata Tortoise
The first type of turtle that can be considered as a pet is the Sulcata tortoise. This species is the third-largest tortoise globally and is commonly found at the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, specifically in the northern region of Africa. The largest Sulcata tortoises can weigh up to 105 kg with a body length of up to 83 cm.
Typically, Sulcata tortoises have a relatively long lifespan, ranging from 50 to 150 years. For those interested, these tortoises are accustomed to living in hot environments, matching their native habitat.
Consequently, this type of turtle is well-suited for keeping in Indonesia, which has a tropical climate. This characteristic makes Sulcata tortoises require no overly complex care, similar to the care of turtles in general. Usually, these turtles are sold at prices starting from 1.5 million rupiahs.
2. Aldabra Tortoise
Another captivating pet turtle comes from the Aldabra tortoise. As the name suggests, these turtles originate from Aldabra Island in Seychelles, East Africa.
Aldabra tortoises boast a considerable size, reaching up to 1.2 meters in length and weighing up to 25 kg. Typically, male Aldabra tortoises are much heavier, exceeding 100 kg compared to their female counterparts.
Furthermore, Aldabra tortoises exhibit a dark coloration with subtle patterns. However, they have an exceptionally long neck, allowing them to reach higher tree branches for food.
In contrast to other turtle species, Aldabra tortoises can be quite expensive, fetching prices of up to 30 million rupiahs.
3. Indian Star Tortoise
Another tortoise breeds is the Indian star tortoise. This species is considered suitable for beginners, primarily because it is common in the market and can be obtained at a relatively low cost.
This turtle species is well-suited for captivity in Indonesia, which has a hot climate similar to its native India. However, it’s essential to provide an adequate water supply to prevent dehydration.
Additionally, you need to sunbathe the Indian star tortoise at least twice a week. This is a crucial care method to ensure the turtle’s health and well-being.
Ideally, turtles should be exposed to sunlight from 8 am to 10 am. For their diet, Indian star tortoises can be fed with hibiscus flowers, hibiscus leaves, fumak, lettuce, okra, and occasionally fruits.
For those interested, you need to prepare a budget ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiahs to care for this turtle species.
4. Brazilian Tortoise
The next pet turtle option is the Brazilian tortoise, a popular choice among the public. Compared to other turtle species, Brazilian tortoises have a smaller body size, reaching only 30 cm. Nevertheless, they can survive up to 20 years.
Due to their small size, it’s common to keep Brazilian turtles in aquariums. In terms of care, providing vegetables, worms, insects, and fruits for daily consumption is sufficient.
For those interested, this turtle species can be obtained at a relatively low price, ranging from 100,000 to 1 million rupiahs. For beginners, this turtle species can be an excellent choice.
