Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, I am curious if this species is commonly kept, or if any are available/what they run. I browsed through the classifieds and did not see any, and I’m new to the tort scene and these guys caught my eye. From what I have read they are quite sensitive to dampness or high humidity, but if kept in the right environment are they a very difficult species? Any information any can provide me with would be greatly appreciated. For all I know this species isn’t even available in captivity but asking is the best way to find out.

Thanks
Devon

Hi! I have been keeping and breeding tortoises since the 1960's and have seen about 5 or 6 specimens of Psmmabates oculifer offered for sale in that time. The most recent ones I recall were about ten years ago and they were priced at $2,000 each then. They are from South Africa and the country frowns on exporting its native fauna. Aside from that, they are a very difficult species to maintain, liking very hot dry days and cooler nights. They do not readily adapt to captive conditions either, so are really best off left in their native habitat.

Really, wow I thought they might be rare but didn’t think they would be that rare being such beautiful animals.

Devon