The Asian forest tortoise, also known as the Asian brown tortoise, is one of the largest tortoises found in Asia. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia and India, this gentle giant prefers cool, shady places with lots of moisture.
Unlike many tortoises that live in dry deserts, the Asian forest tortoise thrives in humid forests. It has a dark brown, ridged shell and thick, elephant-like legs built for trudging through mud, leaf litter, and dense undergrowth.
Adults can weigh over 80 pounds and grow more than 2 feet long, with a powerful shell that offers protection from predators. Their strong jaws help them chew up a variety of plants, fruits, mushrooms, and leafy greens—making them full-time herbivores and full-time browsers!
One of the most fascinating things about this species is its nesting behavior. The female builds a large nest mound out of leaves and guards her eggs—a rare trait among tortoises, which usually leave their eggs unprotected. She’ll patrol the area and chase off anything she thinks is a threat!
These tortoises are slow, steady, and peaceful, often spending their time foraging, soaking in puddles, or resting in shaded burrows. In zoos, they are typically found in Asian rainforest or reptile exhibits, where they’re used to teach about tropical ecosystems and the importance of protecting slow-moving species.
