Pour yourself a cup and join me for Turtle Tea! Whether you’re a new keeper or a die-hard turtle nerd, we’re sharing the inside secrets for keeping and breeding a variety of species. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG), whose mission is to ensure survival of the world’s turtles and tortoises through captive breeding. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out – we’re brewing up new episodes twice a month, every first and third Monday.
Ever wondered how to care for one of the world’s smallest and rarest tortoises? Join Wendy Montroy and Ralph Till as they dive deep into the hidden world of Egyptian tortoises (Testudo kleinmanni), exploring what makes them so fragile, fascinating, and vital to save.
In this episode of Turtle Tea with TTPG, host Wendy Montroy talks with lifelong TTPG member and Kleinmanni Assurance Project founder Ralph Till about the rare and critically endangered Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)—the world’s smallest tortoise species.
Ralph shares his nearly two decades of experience breeding these fragile desert reptiles, discussing their unique habitat, diet, humidity cycles, and conservation challenges. Learn how wild populations have vanished from Egypt and Israel, why ESA regulations complicate captive breeding in the U.S., and what dedicated keepers can do to support the species’ survival.
If you’ve ever wondered how to care for, breed, or conserve Egyptian tortoises, this episode is a must-listen for serious herp enthusiasts.
Have questions? You can find Wendy and Ralph on the TTPG Group Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup
Kleinmanni Assurance Project: https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/
Learn more: ttpg.org
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ralph Till & The Kleinmanni Assurance Project
01:32 – What Makes Egyptian Tortoises So Unique
03:18 – Tiny Tortoises, Big Challenges: Breeding in Captivity
06:42 – Habitat Insights: From Coastal Humidity to Desert Sand
09:15 – Understanding Their Diet and Daily Routine
11:40 – Why Egyptian Tortoises Aren’t for Beginners
14:02 – ESA Regulations and the Breeder’s Dilemma
17:25 – Building a Self-Sustaining Captive Population
20:10 – Advice for Keepers: Starting with Hardier Species
22:40 – The Future of Testudo kleinmanni Conservation
25:10 – Closing Thoughts: Hope for the World’s Smallest Tortoise
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