Gular horns

[Tim Carlisle]

I hope this isn't too odd a question, but does anyone know what determines the shape of gulars? I see some torts where the gulars are split and others that seem fused together into a single gular horn. Is it genetics? Environment? Husbandry?

 

[zovick]

I hope this isn't too odd a question, but does anyone know what determines the shape of gulars? I see some torts where the gulars are split and others that seem fused together into a single gular horn. Is it genetics? Environment? Husbandry?

There are only two tortoise species which have single gular scutes in nature: Astrochelys yniphora and Chersine angulata. In any other species, a single gular scute would be an abnormality.

I have only seen a single gular scute on ONE tortoise of any species other than the two species mentioned above in 60+ years, and that was on a Radiated Tortoise, which by chance happens to be the closest relative of A. yniphora.

On what other species have you seen this phenomenon? Just curious.

 

[Tim Carlisle]

There are only two tortoise species which have single gular scutes in nature: Astrochelys yniphora and Chersine angulata. In any other species, a single gular scute would be an abnormality.

I have only seen a single gular scute on ONE tortoise of any species other than the two species mentioned above in 60+ years, and that was on a Radiated Tortoise, which by chance happens to be the closest relative of A. yniphora.

On what other species have you seen this phenomenon? Just curious.

I was discussing specifically sulcatas. There was a discussion about this in another group. The OP was concerned about the gular being fused together to give the appearance of a single horn. I thought it was an abnormality as well until a few more folks posted similar pics of their torts. It just got me curious.

 

[Tom]

I was discussing specifically sulcatas. There was a discussion about this in another group. The OP was concerned about the gular being fused together to give the appearance of a single horn. I thought it was an abnormality as well until a few more folks posted similar pics of their torts. It just got me curious.

I don't have your answer, but I've seen lots variety in sulcatas over the years.