Summary ⁴

The serrated tortoise, Psammobates oculifer, is a species of tortoise that occurs in the Kalahari desert regions of southern Africa. Also known as the Kalahari tent tortoise, it is one of three members of the genus, Psammobates.[1]

Diagnosis ⁴

This species is easily distinguished from other tortoises from its strongly serrated shell along its margins at the front and back. (shown in pics 1 and 2)

Conservation ⁴

The San used the shells of small animals to produce tobacco and perfume cases, a practice that is restricted today, due to nature conservation legislation to protect this declining species.

This tortoise species feeds on certain succulents and other Kalahari plant species, and its specific diet means that it does not usually survive in captivity and usually soon dies when removed from its natural habitat. It is nonetheless threatened by illegal collecting for the pet trade. [2]

Sources and Credits ⁴

1. Adapted by Caleb Cam from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA),
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serrated_tortoise

2. "Kalahari-Strahlenschildkröte - Trinken wie der Tok-Tokkie-Käfer". Stamps and Stories (in German). Gondwana Collection (57). 30 October 2012.

Sources and Credits

1. Abu Shawka, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Psammobates_oculifer_-_Serrated_tortoise_-_Kalahari_Tent_Tortoise.jpg
2. (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6045/6856962226_ebfe0057bb_o.jpg
3. (c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 116916927065934112165, https://picasaweb.google.com/116916927065934112165/03062006#5633816372079120018
4. (c) calebcam, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HerpMapper
• The Reptile Database
• VertNet

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