Forsten's tortoise


Forsten's tortoise is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae. Forsten's tortoise is one of three tortoise species placed in the genus Indotestudo, the others being the elongated tortoise, and the Travancore tortoise.

Etymology

The specific name, forstenii, is in honor of Dutch botanist Eltio Alegondas Forsten.

Geographic range

Indotestudo forsteni can be found on Sulawesi Island of Indonesia, and its nearby islands such as Halmahera island. In Sulawesi, it is found in the central and northern parts of the island.
In North Sulawesi, it is found in Mount Boliahutu and around Buol, while in Central Sulawesi, it is found in Santigi, Morowali Reserve, Palu Valley, Kulawi Valley, Bora Village near Gimpu, and along the western border of Lore Lindu National Park.

Taxonomy

Indotestudo travancorica, found in the Western Ghats of India, has been previously considered a synonym of Indotestudo forstenii, but is now treated as a separate species.

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