Turtles are one of the oldest species of reptiles. These are unique animals that can survive in the most severe conditions of existence. Some species are well adapted to low temperatures, others are high. Individual subspecies of reptiles are able to live without food and water for several years, and some are able to live without oxygen for more than 10 hours. They also amaze their sizes, which can be as few centimeters, and reach 1-2 and more meters.
The ranking includes the largest turtles in the world in size and body weight.
10
Cayman turtle 35 cm
Cayman turtle ( 35 cm) is one of the smallest turtles, among the largest. Their length can reach 35 cm. The weight of the animal is 14 kg. Some individuals can weigh up to 30 kg. This species is distributed in Canada, as well as in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States. A place of dwelling are ponds where there is a lot of silt. This helps to easily bury the turtles for hibernation, where they go into hibernation. At the same time, this species is resistant to cold and can move both under ice and on ice during the cold season. They feed on small animals from the underwater world, including carrion. Cayman species are often hunted in the US, as the meat of these turtles is quite popular and edible among the locals.
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Red-bellied turtle 37 cm
Red-bellied tortoise ( 37 cm) - a species of freshwater turtles, which is common in America and Mexico. Females are considerably larger than males: the length of the shell is 37 cm in females, and in males - 20 cm. The name of the turtle is due to the red spots located on the side of the head. The animal chooses a place for dwelling marshy, dirty ponds. Turtles prefer to lead a sedentary lifestyle, but in the presence of danger very quickly react and quickly hide. They easily adapt to life in captivity and with proper courtship can live up to 50 years. To keep them, you need an aquarium for 200 liters.
8
Fur turtle 40 cm
Fur turtle 40 cm belongs to the family of snake-nosed. This species has a rather peculiar and bizarre appearance: a large, triangular head, a nose in the form of a long process, a thin and long neck, and a carapace is a pyramidal shape with outgrowths. The length of the carapace reaches 40 cm, and the weight of the adult specimen is 15 kg. Another name for the turtle sounds like matamata. The species is widespread in South America, Brazil, Peru and in many other eastern and northern countries. The habitat is chosen by ponds with standing water. This species prefers to eat exclusively fish. In ideal conditions mats-mats can live up to 40-75 years.
7
Shtapod turtle 75 cm
The turtle turtle ( 75 cm) is one of the largest land turtle. The average size of the shell of this species is 75 cm. There are data that the tortoise can reach 1 m along the length of the shell. The weight of the female is about 60 kg, the males - 100 kg. The habitat of amphibian giants are the deserts of Africa. Basically, these are herbivores that can easily manage without water for a long time. They grow very quickly and reach the indicated sizes by the age of 20.The number of species recently decreased due to hunting for them and destruction of habitats. In captivity, turtles are able to live more than 50 years.
6
Arrau( Tartaruga) 1 meter
Arrau( Tartaruga)( 1m) is one of the largest freshwater animals found in Brazil, Bolivia and other northern countries. The length of an adult is an average of 1 meter or more. The tortoise eats various plants and insects. The arra weighs about 70 kg. This species is now actively studied in wildlife, but there is still no data on the longevity of the tartarug.
5
Giant Seychelles Turtle 120 cm
The gigantic Seychelles turtle ( 120 cm) is a rare species of land tortoises. The average size of a land animal is 120 cm. The habitat is the island of Aldabra. There they can be found in the open spaces, overgrown with tall grass and shrubs. Giant tortoises feed mainly on grass. In captivity, turtles can live up to 150 years. The Turtle Advaita is the oldest representative of this species of animals: she died at the age of 250 years. Therefore, it is not only one of the largest species of turtles, but also one of the highest in longevity.
4
Griffin turtle 140 cm
Griffin turtle ( 140 cm) is similar in appearance to the caiman species, but much larger. The average size of the animal's shell is 140 cm. The species is widespread in the southeastern United States. Their mass is relatively small and reaches 60 kg. They feed freshwater animals mainly with fish. Under favorable conditions, individual individuals live up to 80 years. The turtle is considered very aggressive, especially the males during the breeding season. If the giant does not like something, it can bite. Meat of this species is used for making turtle soup. This is one of the largest, but small turtles.
3
The green turtle 150 cm
" The green turtle "( 150 cm) reveals the top three of the most giant tortoises in the world .The length of the sea animal is 150 cm, and the mass can reach 200 kg. The animal got its name because of olive-green color, but often there are individuals with a dark brown coloring. The giants inhabit the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. A turtle is also called a soup, as its meat was used to prepare the first dishes. But because of active hunting for the species, their numbers have significantly decreased. Therefore, at the present time hunting for green turtles is prohibited. The average turtle lives 80 years.
2
Elephant Galapagos tortoise 180 cm
The elephant galapagos tortoise ( 180 cm) is a real land giant. Its length exceeds 180 cm, and the mass reaches 400 kg! These turtles live on the Galapagos Islands and feed on plants and shrubs that are considered poisonous. Currently, this species is listed in the Red Book, as it is under threat of extinction. Until recently, there were 11 subspecies of this animal. In 2012, the only representative of the eleventh subspecies died, who was nicknamed Lonely George. The tortoise died at the age of 100 without giving birth. Representatives of the species of elephant turtles are able to live to 200 years of age.
1
Leatherback turtle 2 meters
Leather turtle ( 2 m) - the largest species of turtles in the world. On average, the length of this species is 2 meters. The body of one of the specimens measured 2.6 m! The weight of the turtle reaches 600 kg. The giant inhabits the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It feeds mainly on marine life. With such impressive dimensions, the life expectancy of animals is relatively small: 20-30 years. The sight of the world's largest tortoise is listed in the Red Book and is under protection.
In the Guinness Book of Records, a representative of this species was brought in, to whom the scientists gave the name Archelon. The length of the archelon was more than 4 meters, and it weighed about 2 tons. This is the largest turtle known to the world.
