No 54 - Egyptian Tortoise

 

The Egyptian Tortoise, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. The Egyptian tortoise is a small, desert-living tortoise of the Middle East, recognised for its high-domed, golden-coloured shell and minute size. Once more widespread, its numbers are now so small that it could realistically face extinction in less than 20 years if degradation of landscape and trade is not stopped. This species historically suffered from collection for the national and international pet trade in Egypt, once the species was exhausted from this region, the trade moved its attention to Libyan stock. Currently, the main threats endangering the Egyptian Tortoise are intensive commercial collection and habitat destruction, which have already led to the disappearance of the species from much of its former range. Agricultural expansion, cultivation, overgrazing and urban encroachment have put enormous pressure on the Egyptian Tortoise’s fragile and dwindling habitat, dramatically reducing available vegetation for food and cover. The Libyan government does not currently offer the Egyptian Tortoise protection, but it is protected from international trade, sadly these laws are often flouted. The establishment of more protected areas and better enforcement of trade laws would greatly enhance the survival prospects of the entire species.