A moist substrate is necessary for all terrestrial chelonians. Some of these species (like eastern box turtles, red- and yellowfoots, and hingebacks), are native to habitats with lots of precipitation, and need high levels of humidity in captivity as well.
However, some tortoises and box turtles come from arid or semi-arid environments where the ambient air humidity is rather low.
I have noticed that some people provide high humidity levels for tortoises like the sulcata and the Russian, or for western box turtles, even though these species come from grasslands where humidity is naturally low.
In my view, this is not necessary, adds effort and expense, and may even be harmful to these arid-adapted animals. Although they should have a moist substrate to burrow into, I don't think these species require elevated levels of ambient humidity. What do you think?
BTW - I would think the same applies to babies of arid or semi-arid species. Babies hide more than adults, so they might experience more humid conditions by remaining concealed under the substrate. However, when they go out to forage, they would be exposed to the same low humidity as adults. Why not let them?
However, some tortoises and box turtles come from arid or semi-arid environments where the ambient air humidity is rather low.
I have noticed that some people provide high humidity levels for tortoises like the sulcata and the Russian, or for western box turtles, even though these species come from grasslands where humidity is naturally low.
In my view, this is not necessary, adds effort and expense, and may even be harmful to these arid-adapted animals. Although they should have a moist substrate to burrow into, I don't think these species require elevated levels of ambient humidity. What do you think?
BTW - I would think the same applies to babies of arid or semi-arid species. Babies hide more than adults, so they might experience more humid conditions by remaining concealed under the substrate. However, when they go out to forage, they would be exposed to the same low humidity as adults. Why not let them?