Kinixys erosa (Schweigger, 1812)

Common and Scientific Names

The forest hinge-back tortoise, scientifically named Kinixys erosa, is also commonly known as the serrated hinge-back tortoise or Schweigger's tortoise. It is a tortoise species that belongs to the family Testudinidae.

Native Habitat Range

This species is native to tropical forests and marshes across central and western Africa, specifically in the tropical rainforests of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is often found in marshes and along river banks, where it spends most of its time buried under roots and logs.

Geographic Distribution Extent

The species' natural range stretches from northern Angola, through the entire Congo Basin, as far east as the shores of Lake Victoria, and across all West African forests as far west as Senegal.

Confirmed Presence Countries

Confirmed countries where it is found include Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. It may also be present in Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and Togo.

Reproduction

For reproduction, female K. erosa lay up to 4 eggs on the ground, covering the eggs with leaves.