Speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus) (origin: Western South Africa, southern Namibia – the Succulent Karoo). Adult size around 6–10 cm (the smallest tortoise in the world). Life expectancy 30–50 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Speckled padloper tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50 cm floor area.
Speckled padloper tortoise: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–32 °C, basking spot 40 °C, at night 12–18 °C.
Speckled padloper tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Speckled padloper tortoise: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 30–50 years.
Speckled padloper tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 12–18 °C
- Basking spot
- 40 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50 cm floor area
- Substrate
- Sand and gravel with rock crevices, dry herbs, little substrate
Feeding
- Food
- Succulents, dry herbs, wild herbs – purely plant-based
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 6–10 cm (the smallest tortoise in the world)
- Life expectancy
- 30–50 years
- Origin
- Western South Africa, southern Namibia – the Succulent Karoo
- Protection status
- CITES II; IUCN "Endangered" – only documented captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A cool dry rest of 10–14 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly or as a pair, depending on space. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses condition. A pair only works if the male can be removed when harassing the female - a second enclosure belongs in the plan. With more space, one male to several females spreads out the courtship.
Notes
The world's smallest tortoise; it lives in rock crevices of the succulent Karoo. Extremely specialised on dry succulent food and very delicate – only for keepers experienced with dryland species.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) – Expert
- Speckled padloper (Homopus areolatus) – Expert
- Serrated tent tortoise (Psammobates oculifer) – Expert
- Bell's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys belliana) – Intermediate
- Angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) – Intermediate
- Home's hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys homeana) – Expert
- Natal hinge-back tortoise (Kinixys natalensis) – Intermediate
- Leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Speckled padloper tortoise (Chersobius signatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50 cm floor area), substrate (Sand and gravel with rock crevices, dry herbs, little substrate), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speckled_padloper_tortoise, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Chersobius&species=signatus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).