The Napal tortoise is not a whole, but produces a "joint", this structure can help it protect itself in the face of danger, avoid predators, which is also a common feature of all turtle species of the folded tortoise, just like the Chinese closed-shell turtle belly carapace can be moved, but the folded back tortoise is the back can be moved.
First, the appearance characteristics of the Natal fold-backed tortoise
The largest carapace of the Natal folded-backed tortoise is 15.5 cm long, the hem is wide and jagged, the upper hip shield is divided into 2 pieces, and there are 3 hooked upper jaws Due to the great difference in color, it is unlikely that the same dorsal carapace markings and patterns will appear between individuals. The Natal fold-backed tortoise is one of the smaller species of fold-backed tortoises, and the mature size of the female is only about 15-18 vm.
Second, the characteristics of the Natal fold-backed tortoise
The biggest feature of the Natal folded-back tortoise is that it is located between the 7th and 8th shields of the dorsal carapace, similar to the soft structure of ligaments or twisted keys, and this special structure that can be moved, when the individual encounters an enemy attack, can pull the ligaments to close the shell carapace through the contraction of the muscles, and with this special structure, the tail and hind limbs of the individual can be shrunk into the shell carapace to avoid predator attacks.