Sedgefield Island Conservancy
Tortoises
The Angulate Tortoise: Slow and Steady Loses the Race
Tortoises are both Sedgefield’s mascot animal and our biggest sadness. These prehistoric creatures bring delight to residents and visitors. They also get killed on our roads and stolen for the illegal trade in wildlife.
As the warm weather approaches our tortoises put on their running shoes to try and avoid the influx of cars that are not used to our relaxed pace of life in our slow town. Unfortunately the tortoises just can’t move fast enough and many are left squashed on our roads. As warmer weather approaches our tortoises put on their running shoes to try and avoid the influx of cars that are not used to our relaxed pace of life in our slow town. Unfortunately the tortoises just can’t move fast enough and many are left squashed on our roads.
Roads also fragment their habitats, forcing them to cross roads and lawns as they look for proper nutrition or mates in the breeding season. Herbicides, sprayed liberally on many lawns to kill 'weeds', hava deadly effects on tortoises.
Others are removed from their homes as people think they will make cute pets. This often leads to their demise. Tortoises are adapted to a specific natural habitat. Their survival is dependent on the correct food and climate. Pet tortoises suffer from parasites such as ticks and worms and may spread virus-borne diseases to healthy natural populations.
PLEASE DON’T REMOVE THEM.
All species of Tortoise in the Western Cape are protected by the Nature Conservation Ordinance (Ord. No 19 of 1974).
"Accordingly, no tortoise or part thereof (e.g. the shell) or tortoise eggs may be collected, transported, sold, received as a gift, given, kept in captivity, possessed, imported or exported. Species such as the geometric tortoise, which is classified as a threatened wild animal, have special protection. Anyone caught removing tortoises may be liable for a fine or imprisonment."
Tortoise species of The Island
South Africa has 13 tortoise species but only 2 of these are considered native to The Island and a third species is a visitor that's worth a mention. Read more
Tortoise Care & Handling
If you find a tortoise that's in danger or has been injured, please help it. However, sometimes our well-meant help does more damage than good. Here are some guidelines for helping without hurting.
Protecting our Natural environment whilst creating a better environment for people.
+27 (0)83 376 7846
Quick links
Follow us
Newsletter
Subscribe now to get our newsletter.
Created with © systeme.io