Wendy sits down with long-time keeper and founding member of the Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP), Ralph Till, for a deep dive into breeding the critically endangered Egyptian tortoise. Ralph shares decades of hands-on experience, including ideal female size and age, seasonal breeding behaviors, how to set up reliable nest boxes, incubation best practices, and what to expect from hatchlings during their first fragile month of life.

They also explore the origins and goals of KAP - an initiative built to establish genetically diverse assurance colonies across the United States following the ESA regulation changes. Ralph explains how KAP places animals, why meticulous record-keeping matters, and what it really takes for new keepers to responsibly join the effort.

If you’re interested in working with Egyptian tortoises, or just want a rare behind-the-scenes look at conservation-minded captive breeding, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Chapters

0:04 - Breeding Egyptian Tortoises

1:08 - Maturity and Egg Laying

2:46 - Breeding Season in Captivity

4:13 - Egg Incubation Techniques

8:11 - Hatchling Care

10:29 - Transitioning to Adult Care

11:52 - Getting Started with Breeding

16:16 - The Kleinmanni Assurance Project

20:35 - Advice for New Keepers

23:05 - Importance of Genetic Diversity

27:35 - Building a Supportive Community

For more info:

TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup/

Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP)
https://www.kleinmanniassuranceproject.com/

Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG)
https://ttpg.org/

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

Wendy Montroy sits down with Michael Thathuvaswamy to dive into the fascinating world of Tabasco Mud Turtle breeding (Kinosternon acutum). Building on the previous episode about husbandry and care, this discussion explores everything about breeding and hatchling care.

Whether you’re a long-time turtle keeper or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical, field-tested insights to help you raise healthy, thriving Tabasco Mud Turtles.

You can find both Wendy and Michael in the ⁠TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook⁠.

Host Wendy Montroy sits down with Michael Thathuvaswamy of Shelled Friends to explore the fascinating Tabasco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon acutum). Native to the lowlands of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, this small, colorful mud turtle is both beautiful and underrated. Michael shares how he fell in love with the species, how they thrive in captivity, and why they make an excellent choice for new keepers interested in aquatic turtles.

You can find both Wendy and Michael in the TTPG Group Discussion on Facebook.

Host Wendy Montroy kicks off the podcast by introducing our mission: to build a digital library of real-world care and breeding information for turtles and tortoises. This show is brought to you by the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group (TTPG) and aims to equip keepers, from beginners to experts, with the knowledge needed to ensure the survival of these incredible animals through responsible captive breeding.

Future episodes will feature deep dives into specific species, covering everything from lighting and diets to breeding and hatchling care, and spotlighting often-overlooked species. Join Wendy for conversations with innovative keepers, and be sure to subscribe as the next episode features Michael Thathuvaswamy of Shelled Friends discussing Tabasco Mud Turtles!

Got ideas for future episodes? Let us know!