The affinities of the extinct giant tortoise “Testudo” punica from the Pliocene of Tunisia with the genus Titanochelon

Abstract

The discovery of giant tortoises around the Mediterranean has transformed our understanding of their evolutionary history, with recent findings suggesting complex lineage dispersals between Africa and Europe. Historically, Mediterranean tortoise species were considered isolated, but studies now suggest that some African lineages may have migrated to Europe, while other distinct groups inhabited Mediterranean islands. “Testudo” punica from Tunisia, a giant tortoise from the early Pliocene, requires re-examination to assess its lineage accurately. This study re-evaluates its morphology within this newly complex phylogenetic context, highlighting the need for further research on circum-Mediterranean tortoise evolution.