Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are any members of this genus ever available? I cant find info on their CITES status, but the little information about them tends to say that their populations are stable, but could be pressured, but no mention of endangred status. I am looking to obtain some smaller size torts that are rarer, and plan on researching several species over the next year or so to determine my best option. I'd like to know if these are a pipedream tho.

Be sure to do your homework very completely and carefully if you want to acquire this genus of tortoises. They are small and very pretty, but are quite difficult to maintain for long periods of time. Additionally, like Spider Tortoises, they are quite secretive, shy, and hide a good deal of the time.

The best article I have seen regarding them was written many years ago (probably 1960's) by Arsene Eglis. I believe it may have been reprinted in the old International Turtle and Tortoise Society Journal between 67 and 71. Original article was in a more scientific publication as I recall. Arsene kept these tortoises and found that they did best when kept in an enclosure which was at his chest or eye level. This apparently was less threatening to them when he approached than if they were in a container on the floor.

From my own experiences and recollections, these tortoises like very warm daytime temperatures (100F and more), plus cool nights (50F). These conditions are hard to duplicate in most captive situations.

One of my friends is in SAright now, and is supposed to be bringing some of these back with him. He has the CITES documents for about 20-25 I think if you are daring. They won't be inexpensive, though.

...are you rid off that " females desperation" yet? how are the new ones doing? any hope for F1 before your's (or ours) time runs out?

back to this Psamos: what types (speciments/subspecies /cb/wc) that your SA friends be able to obtain?...they didn't came from local poachers or are they...

For pictures of all the species and subspecies in the genus,and a good amount of care info, check the site below. It is very informative, and the information is correct. I do not recommend the species for any beginning tortoise keepers. They are much more difficult to keep alive than Spider Tortoises if that gives you any idea what is involved.

Bill Zovickian
Link