What is "psammobates"

Psammobates is a genus of tortoise. This genus contains three member species, all of which are indigenous to Southern Africa.

The genus name means "Sand-loving", and these tortoises typically inhabit the arid and semi-arid areas of southern Africa. Their specific diets and adaptations for this environment mean that these species do not generally survive outside their habitats and soon die when kept in captivity.

All three species suffer from illegal collecting and habitat destruction, but the Geometric tortoise has historically been the worst affected and is now endangered.