Kleinmann's Tortoise - Systematics

Systematics

The proposed subgenus Pseudotestudo is invald, based on immature characters. It has been proposed to unite this species with the Marginated Tortoise in the genus Chersus. These clearly share a common ancestor with the Greek Tortoise. The former two are somewhat more similar to each other than to the Greek Tortoise regarding DNA sequence data. Considering biogeography however, this is either due to (rather unlikely) dispersal across the Mediterranean, or the supposed "clade" is invalid and the similarity due to convergent evolution.

The Negev subpopulation has been separated as a distinct species, Negev Tortoise (Testudo werneri). It does not appear to have distinct or strongly reduced haplotype diversity, consistent with the recent extinction of the Egyptian population (see below) and slow DNA sequence evolution rates in Testudo. It constitutes a locally-adapted form however and is of distinct appearance. Arguably, it can be considered a subspecies and, as gene flow has ceased, the western and eastern populations must now be managed separately for conservation purposes.

• Characteristic specimens of the Libyan tortoise (left) and Egyptian tortoise (right), dorsal view

• Ditto, ventral view. Differences are slight and unreliable (see also above).