Host Wendy Montroy welcomes Dirk Barnard, founder of Tortoise Conservation South Africa and a keynote speaker at the TTPG Conference, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world’s smallest and most misunderstood tortoises: the common padloper (Homopus aureolatus).

In this episode, Dirk shares the personal journey that led him into tortoise conservation, beginning with a childhood encounter alongside his father in rural South Africa. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion and a deep respect for the fragile balance that padlopers depend on to survive. Dirk unpacks the complex legal landscape surrounding tortoise ownership in South Africa and explains why education and awareness are essential tools in preventing exploitation and unintentional harm.

Despite measuring less than 10 centimeters, the common padloper carries enormous conservation significance. Dirk brings the Western Cape to life, describing its extraordinary biodiversity, unique biomes, and dramatic climate swings. From semi-desert to coastal habitats, padlopers have evolved to endure scorching heat and cold winters, showcasing remarkable resilience in the face of environmental extremes.

The conversation turns sobering as Dirk challenges common assumptions about conservation threats. While poaching often gets the spotlight, he explains why electrified fencing, habitat loss, and urban expansion pose far greater risks to padloper populations, along with predation from birds such as crows and ravens. Backed by real-world data, Dirk urges a broader, more informed approach to tortoise protection.

Wendy and Dirk also explore the realities of captive care, offering practical guidance on diet, enclosure design, humidity, and health, especially for hatchlings. Dirk emphasizes the importance of mimicking natural conditions and providing a diverse, nutrient-rich diet that includes succulents and native plant matter.

The episode wraps with a thoughtful discussion on cultural perceptions of reptiles, the stigma surrounding tortoise ownership, and why education is key to changing long-held misconceptions. Dirk makes a passionate case for empowering the next generation with accurate information and respect for these extraordinary animals.

Listeners are invited to connect with Dirk through Tortoise Conservation South Africa and his social media channels, and to join the conversation in the TTPG Facebook Group. Wendy also teases an upcoming episode focused entirely on common padloper breeding and hatchling care.

If you care about tortoise conservation, husbandry, or learning from experts on the ground, this episode is not to be missed.

Have questions? You can find Wendy and Dirk on the TTPG Group Discussion: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/TTPGGroup⁠

Dirk Barnard on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/dirk.barnard⁠

⁠Tortoise Conservation South Africa⁠

Not a TTPG member yet? ⁠Join us⁠! The ⁠Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group⁠ is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!