Bell's Hinge-Backed Tortoise

Taxobox
name = Bell's Hingeback Tortoise


status = DD | status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Testudines
familia = Testudinidae
genus = "Kinixys"
species = "K. belliana"
binomial = "Kinixys belliana"
binomial_authority = (Bell, 18??)
synonyms =

The Bell's Hingeback Tortoise, Bell's Hing-back Tortoise, Bell's Hinged Tortoise, Bell's Hinge-Backed Tortoise, or Bell's Tortoise is a species of turtle from the Testudinidae family. It has the hinge that all the tortoises in Kinixys have. This Hineback is the most common and is widepsread throughout Africa, mainly Sudan, Tanzania, Congo and down to Southern Africa.There are several subspecies and the Bell's hingeback tortoise is subject to wide variation throughout its extensive range.

Description

The Bell's Hingeback is a small-sized light brown tortoise. They can grow up to 22 cm. On the back of its shell, the tortoise has a 90 degree hinge which, when closed, can protect its rear legs and tail from predators. This broad band of flexible connective tissue is located between the 4th and 5th costals and the 7th and 8th peripherals in adults. Most Bell's Hingebacks have five claws on each forefoot except for one of the subspecies, "K. b. nogeuyi".

ubspecies

"K. b. belliana" - The Common Bell's Hingeback

"K. b. mertensi" - The Central Bell's Hingeback

"K. b. nogeuyi" - The Western Bell's Hingeback

"K. b. zombensis" - The Southeastern Bell's Hingeback

ource

[http://www.gctts.org/Kinixys/] [http://www.geocities.com/hiramtom/belliana.html]