Egyptian Tortoise Conservation Programme

The Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni), one of the world’s smallest tortoise species, is classified as Critically Endangered and has disappeared from much of its historic range in Egypt and Libya as a result of habitat degradation, illegal collection, and wildlife trafficking.

Recognizing the urgent need for conservation action, Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE) established a dedicated ex-situ conservation programme more than a decade ago under the guidance of renowned conservationists Dr. Sherif Baha El Din and Mindy Baha El Din. What began as an emergency response to care for approximately 200 confiscated tortoises has evolved into one of Egypt’s most significant reptile conservation initiatives.

The programme combines rescue, rehabilitation, and scientifically managed captive breeding to secure a viable conservation population for the species. Through continuous investment and specialized husbandry, NCE has developed a secure semi-natural conservation facility that supports healthy breeding populations and produces regular annual hatchlings, contributing to the long-term survival of the species.

Today, the facility serves not only as a refuge for rescued and captive-bred tortoises but also as a center of excellence for research, knowledge generation, and capacity building in reptile conservation. The programme provides a critical foundation for future recovery and reintroduction efforts while supporting national initiatives to combat illegal wildlife trade and strengthen species conservation in Egypt.

As one of NCE’s flagship species conservation programmes, the Egyptian Tortoise initiative demonstrates the organization’s long-term commitment to preventing extinctions and securing a future for Egypt’s most threatened wildlife.