The diminutive Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) is one of the world's most beautiful chelonians with its domed carapace and stunning egg-yolk and black radiating pattern. It is the Fabergé Egg of the tortoise world. Fully grown, it reaches only five to six inches.

In South Africa, the Turtle Conservancy, along with its partner organizations, has purchased over 865 acres of the last remaining habitat for this critically endangered tortoise, which we are calling the Geometric Tortoise Preserve. We need to preserve this critical habitat to save this beautiful tortoise from extinction.
 

with Our land We're saving more than just tortoises...

How We're Helping

The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the Fynbos and the Geometric Tortoise. We are doing this in several ways:

Fencing

Fencing protects tortoises from roadways and helps create firebreaks to prevent the mass extinction of fragmented populations. The fencing required will also keep out wild dogs, cattle and possible poachers. 

Invasive Species Control

We are actively trying to eradicate invasive plant species, especially the Port Jackson Acacia (Acacia saligna). This tree, also known a a wattle, is highly invasive and chokes out native plants the tortoises rely on for food and shelter. 

Expansion

The TC is actively working with local farmers to expand the preserve to include additional fynbos habitat. This requires identifying suitable habitat that can link up with the main preserve. The hope is to create corridors of land the tortoises can use to maintain healthy species genetics and link otherwise isolated populations. 

Population Surveys

Through our partnership with Cape Nature, the TC's Dr. Jim Juvik has teamed with Vicki Hudson to search for tortoises in the most extensive mark and recapture program ever done with the Geometric Tortoise. These surveys are made possible due to the hard work of Vicki and her specialized search dogs. 

Headstarting

The Elandsberg team and their advisers have established a successful captive breeding colony of Geometric Tortoises at their secure facility. These animals are being bred with the intent to reintroduce them back into the wild. 

Our Partners