The Forsten’s Tortoise (Indotestudo forsteni) is found in the damp forests of the Indonesian Islands of Sulawasi and Halmahera. Sometimes called the Sulawesi Tortoise, the Foresten’s Tortoises were once thought to be introduced Travencore tortoises, from southern India.

Forsten’s Tortoises are most active in mornings and evenings. They prefer overgrown habitats with dimmer light , hence the large eyes, but they do require a full spectrum UVB basking light. A moist substrate and a good hide box with plenty of room makes them comfortable. Once older, a clean, shallow soaking bin can be provided. We soak our juveniles every second or third day.

In the wild, Forsten’s Tortoises’ diet is omnivorous consisting of fruits, leafy greens, worms, slugs. They have a strong attraction to yellow foods such as corn, dandelions and yellow squash. We feed ours pellet ed tortoise diet, mixed with a good calcium supplement, mixed veggies, dark leafy greens and the occasional earth worm for protein. We also give mixed fruits and yellow squash.

Foresten’s are very exotic tortoises, with a bright colored head, and shell color ranging from caramel brown to black. Yellow scutes with black centers is very common. Juveniles have unmistakable pointed serrations on the back of their shells. Undoubtedly an adaptation to prevent them from being on the menu in the wild. Similar to Elongated Tortoises, during breeding season, the skin around the eyes and nose of adults becomes pink. In time, Forstens Tortoises become very accustomed to their keepers, and develop very distinctive personalities. Rarely bred in captivity, Forstens Tortoises make for very interesting first Tortoises.