Home's hinge-back tortoise


Home's hinge-back tortoise is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. The species is endemic to Africa.

Etymology

The specific name, homeana, is in honor of English surgeon and naturalist Everard Home.

Geographic range

K. homeana is found in Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and possibly Togo.

Habitat

The natural habitats of Home's hinge-back tortoise are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical swamps, and plantations.

Ecology and life history

Home's hinge-back is naturally attracted to red or pink flowers. It prefers low light and often moves in early morning or dusk, preferring to stay hidden the rest of the day.

Diet

In captivity the diet of K. homeana may include, banana, guava, watermelon, black mushrooms, cooked sweet potato, cooked potato, and cooked or raw squash, and sources of animal protein such as earthworms, mealworms, crickets, snails and fish.

Conservation status

K. homeana is threatened by habitat loss.