Tortoises

A herd of “turtles?” Most of these are not turtles but are actually fossil tortoises. Giant tortoises today are found only on the Galapagos Islands west of Ecuador and Aldabra Island north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. These tortoises were once land dwelling reptiles that once roamed much of North America. A new giant tortoise found near Red Bluff, California, is also on display.

These fossils were found in Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska by Sierra College students and staff. They range in age from about 35 (Oligocene) to 45 (Eocene) milliion years old.
Tortoises are terrestrial turtles having short, elephant-like feet with unwebbed toes. They are found primarily in dry areas. Sometimes called "land turtles," there are more than 40 species of tortoises, classified in several genera making up the family Testudinidae. Tortoises are found in all temperate and tropical areas except Australia and Polynesia. They range in size from about 6 in (15 cm) to more than 3 ft (90 cm). They usually have a high-domed shell, and can draw their heads completely in under their shells. They are generally slow-moving, plant-eating, and long-lived. Some species of giant tortoise may reach weights of up to 500 lbs. (230 kg).

Find out more about California turtles and tortoises through the California Turtle and Tortoise Club.