Type of Shell: Hard, dome and round shell.

Texas Tortoises are the only member of the family Testudinidae in Texas. They can be found in Southwest Texas, along the Central and Lower parts of the Texas Gulf Coast and as far south as Northeastern parts of Mexico.

Like the native Box Turtles, Texas Tortoises spend their entire life on land. However, unlike Box Turtles, they do not have hinges on their plastron and their rear feet are shaped like an elephant's feet. Texas tortoises are a common sight during the summers when they across roads in South Texas.

Like most tortoises, they are herbivorous. They feed on grasses and cactus of South Texas. This species is listed as threatened by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It's mainly because of pet trade collectors. The breeding population would not be able to keep up with collecting pressures. Luckily, the tortoises are protected by the vast private ranch lands that compose most of South Texas. They are commonly seen crossing the trails at Falcon State Park.

Like the Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Lithobates berlandieri), this species was named in honor of Jean-Louis Berlandier (1805-1851).

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