Home's hinge-back tortoise  (Kinixys homeana)

Home's hinge-back tortoise belongs to a unique group of tortoises that can close themselves entirely within their shells. As their name suggests, they possess a hinge at the back of their carapace (or shell), that can close off the tortoise's vulnerable parts, providing excellent protection from potential predators (4). The carapace varies in colour from dark brown to tan (2), and is distinguished by the pronounced vertical drop at the end (5). The shape of the carapace also cleverly channels rainwater towards its head for drinking (5). Each forelimb bears five claws and the small head has a hooked upper jaw; both the limbs and head are brown to yellow (2). Female Home's hinge-back tortoises are larger than males, but males possess longer and thicker tails (2).

Occurs in West Africa; from Liberia, east to Cameroon, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1) (2).

Home's hinge-back tortoise is a forest tortoise, generally observed in shady places in lowland evergreen forest (6)

The secretive Home's hinge-back tortoise has adapted its behaviour to tolerate the high heats of its tropical environment. Overheating is a real risk, and so the tortoise rests and moves in the shade to avoid accumulating heat (6). When water is not available, Home's hinge-back tortoise may bury itself below ground and emerge again when the rains come (5). Home's hinge-back tortoise is omnivorous, consuming both animal and plant food, which is located using their sense of smell as they make straight, darting jabs with their head (2). Oval, brittle-shelled eggs are laid and incubated for at least five months. The tiny hatchlings, less than five centimetres long, have flattened, brown carapaces, with no hinge (2).

Populations of Home's hinge-back tortoise are currently declining throughout much of its range, primarily as a result of habitat loss and intensive harvesting (1). They are captured, even within protected areas, for human consumption, traditional medicine, and for the international pet trade (1) (7). Habitat loss arises as a result of industrial expansion, agriculture and deforestation (1). Nigerian populations appear to be particularly threatened, due to them inhabiting fragmented forest patches, (rather than the extensive forest found in the Congo), and facing stronger hunting pressure as a result of greater human populations (7). The Home's hinge-back tortoise appears to be especially vulnerable to humans during the dry season when the swamps are dry, and humans can access nearly all areas of the forest (7).

Although Home's hinge-back tortoise is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that international trade in this species should be carefully monitored (3), further action is necessary to ensure its survival, such as declaring it a protected species in all countries of occurrence (1). Habitat conservation efforts, such as the establishment and enforcement of protected areas, are also important, but must be coupled with the control of hunting activities if populations of this remarkable tortoise are to survive (7).

For further information on Home's hinge-back tortoise see:

• IUCN Red List:
  www.iucnredlist.org

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
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