Biggest tortoise species ever known

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GeoTerraTestudo

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Colossochelys atlas:

"Other members of the family Testudinidae are generally small (7–35 centimetres (2.8–14 in) long). Colossochelys atlas is the largest known member of the family, with a shell length of about 2.1 metres (6.9 ft), an estimated total length of 2.5 to 2.7 metres (8.2 to 8.9 ft) and an approximate total height of 1.8 metres (5.9 ft). Weight estimates vary greatly: some go as high as 3 to 4 metric tonnes (= 3000 to 4000 kilograms), but a weight of around 1 metric tonne (1000 kilograms) is probably more realistic (Paul and Leahy, 1994). The only bigger turtles were the oceanic Archelon and Protostega from the Cretaceous period. Colossochelys atlas probably looked similar to a giant Galápagos tortoise. Like the modern Galápagos tortoise, Colossochelys atlas's weight was supported by four elephantine feet. Since most members of the related genus Testudo are herbivores, paleontologists presume C. atlas had the same diet. When a predator threatened it, C. atlas could probably retract its limbs and head into its shell, just like its modern relatives."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testudo_atlas

Like so many prehistoric animals, this is one that I wish I could have seen alive. Can you image a giant tortoise even bigger than today's Galapagos and Aldabra species, weighing about as much as a bull? They must have been awesome animals when they were around. Too bad they are gone.

Colossochelys_atlas.jpg

GiantTurtle-SiwalikHills.JPG
 

GeoTerraTestudo

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Sure, glad you guys like it. Also, notice the big gular spur at the front of the plastron. Can you imagine watching 1-ton tortoises sparring? Awesome! :D
 

jensgotfaith

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Talk about sweet!!! Although- in captivity that would sure be a lot of clean-up. Yikes!
 

DeanS

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Well! If he was the size of a bull...he'd weigh probably as much as a white rhino...at least...given the density of the shell and skeleton required to support such mass...actually, I wouldn't be surprised if it weighed as much as a teenage elephant! Nice post GTT!
 
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