What type of turtle is this.

by steve
(San Diego)

What type of tortoise is this?

What type of tortoise is this?

I was given this turtle by some one who did not want it anymore. What type of turtle is it.

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Feb 03, 2010
 CORRECTION!
by: The Greek Tortoise Guild

I correct myself: You probably have an Ornate Box Turtle (also called a Western Box Turtle). If you Google this name you will see images that even more closely resemble your turtle.
Here is the IUCN page for this turtle:
http://iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/21644/0

Sorry for the confusion (I guess that's what can happen when someone makes an educated GUESS).
Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Good luck!
Feb 03, 2010
 Geochelone elegans
by: The Greek Tortoise Guild

That looks like an Indian Star Tortoise (or a Geochelone elegans). I COULD BE WRONG ABOUT THIS TOO!!!
But based on the pictures that I have seen, this looks like the same tortoise. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature is a very reliable and scholarly source for, in your case, finding accurate information on your new tortoise. Here is a link to their page on the Indian Star Tortoise:
http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39430/0
Unfortunately, I just noticed that the IUCN doesn't have quite as much information on the Indian Star Tortoise as it does on the Greek Tortoise. Still, it does offer some information. Try doing a Google search on Indian Star Tortoise and you will see a lot of pictures of tortoises that look at lot like yours.
Congratulations! You are now the owner of a beautiful tortoise! I suggest taking him to a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles to ensure that he has a clear bill of health and then start reading up on how to care for an Indian Star Tortoise.
I hope that this has helped some. If I can be of any further assistance please either respond to this post or directly to my blog at TheGreekTortoiseGuild.blogspot.com
Good luck!

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