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    Testudinidae – Tortoises

    The only exclusively land-dwelling turtles family

    This family contains the largest living species of land turtle, the Galápagos tortoise -the giant of the tortoise world. They are famous and even have a whole Archipelago named after them! Yes, the Galapagos islands.

    Some tortoises can live up to 150 years and are found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia. They can survive without consuming water or food for extended periods. In fact, they were often kept on long-voyage whaling ships as a source of fresh meat. Some species are popular as pets, decreasing their natural populations.