Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 33, Number 1;   January, 2006

Russian Researchers Discover Venomous Tortoise Species

CHS Editor's note: I'm not sure that I believe this, but it is fun to reprint anyway. Perhaps I should have saved it for the April issue.

Moscow, Russia (AP) - Russian researchers discovered a new species of tortoise that is able to inflict a venomous bite. Researchers Dr. Sergei Anpenb and Dr. Andrei Aypak of the Russian Center for Science & Technology (RCST) first discovered this tortoise in 2001, at a remote location south of Denow, Uzbekistan.

"Initially, we were not sure what we had. These animals were remarkably different from anything that we had seen or that was known to science," Dr. Anpenb told reporters at the press release on Tuesday.

Their discovery is especially stunning, as the ability to inject venom is primarily associated with some snakes, and has never been reported or even been believed to exist in turtles or tortoises.

"We have several papers that are currently in press and we will publish more information as it becomes available," Dr. Aypak said. The discovery has already created some heated debates, as others initially rejected their claims as being outrageous.

Certainly, it's a concept that is difficult to grasp. Tortoises are not usually carnivorous, but this fully functioning venom apparatus indicates that there is a need that created sufficient selective pressure for this unique trait to arise.

Of course, many more studies are necessary to fully understand the purpose and function of this drastic adaptation. At this point, we believe that its primary function is of defensive nature, Dr. Anpenb explained.

According to the official press release, the new tortoise possesses two enlarged teeth that are situated at the front of the mouth, similar to the fangs in venomous snakes. A spokesperson for U.S. Wildlife & Fisheries added that this appears to be one of the most bizarre discoveries in the last twenty years.