The Longest Living Reptiles On Earth

Reptiles have roamed the Earth for over 300 million years, surviving multiple mass extinctions along the way. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to what are the longest living reptiles: tortoises and turtles can live over 150 years, while some lizard and snake species can survive for over 50 years in captivity.

In this nearly 3000 word guide, we’ll cover the reptiles with the most extreme longevities, including different species of tortoises, turtles, snakes, lizards, crocodilians, and tuataras. We’ll look at verified records of individual reptiles that have far surpassed the average lifespans for their species, as well as analyze the biological and behavioral adaptations that allow these cold-blooded creatures to live for so long.

Tortoises

Galapagos Tortoise

The Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) is one of the longest living reptiles, with lifespans over 100 years. Some individuals are estimated to be over 150 years old! They live exclusively on the Galapagos Islands, grazing on grasses, lichens, and cacti.

Their long necks allow them to reach foliage high up on branches and cacti to eat. With no natural predators, they have evolved to be large, about 900 pounds on average for males. The Galapagos Islands’ varying environments have led to the evolution of different subspecies with saddle-shaped shells adapted for stretching their necks up to access food.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, the Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) typically lives over 100 years, with some reaching an estimated 255 years old! Growing up to 550 pounds, these giant tortoises eat grasses, leaves, and woody plants available on the islands.

Their domed shells and thick legs allow them to push through dense brush. These gentle giants played a key role in restoring the ecosystem on Aldabra after invasive goats were removed in the 1900s, helping regrow the vegetation through spreading seeds in their dung.

Indian Star Tortoise

The beautifully patterned Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) inhabits scrub forests and grasslands of India and Sri Lanka. Their lifespan is 80-100+ years. The unique star-like radiating pattern on their shell helps provide camouflage by blending in with leaf litter on the forest floor.

Indian star tortoises are omnivores, foraging on fruits, flowers, grass, fungi, carrion, and termites. These small tortoises grow to about 10 inches long. Habitat loss and over-collection for the illegal pet trade have led to decreasing wild populations.

Many captive bred stars are available, but extensive research into proper care is essential before considering one as a pet.

Turtles

Turtles are some of the longest living reptiles on Earth, with lifespans exceeding 100 years for some species. Their protective shells and habitat preferences contribute to their longevity.

Red-eared slider

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a popular pet turtle native to the central United States and northern Mexico. In the wild, these turtles live for around 20-30 years, but with proper care as pets they can live for 40+ years.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles have very long lifespans, some species living 80-100+ years. Their slowing metabolism and hearty constitutions allow them to endure the marine environment and avoid predators long enough reach maturity and reproduce.

The largest sea turtle species is the leatherback turtle, which can grow over 6 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds. Their primary threats are human activities like fishing, coastal development, pollution, and climate change.

Box Turtles

Box turtles (Terrapene species) are small land-dwelling turtles named for their ability to entirely close themselves within their shells for protection. Records show they can live 80-140 years, likely due to their defensive tactics, slow metabolisms, and habitats with few predators.

The ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) has been documented living over a century in the wild.

In captivity, box turtles seem to outlive most other pet turtle species. Proper habitat, balanced diet, hygiene and healthcare contribute to lengthening box turtles’ already long lifespans. For these reasons, box turtles make excellent lifelong pet companions.

With care matching their slow lifestyles and protections from habitat loss, turtles may continue plodding along for centuries to come as some of Earth’s most enduring reptiles.

Lizards

Tuatara

The tuatara is one of the most unique and ancient reptiles on Earth, having existed unchanged for over 200 million years. Often referred to as a “living fossil”, this lizard-like creature is the sole survivor of an order of reptiles that thrived during the age of dinosaurs. With an average lifespan of 60-100 years, the tuatara can live longer than any other lizard species.

Native only to New Zealand, tuataras inhabit coastal forests and islands with cold climate. They have distinct features including a third “eye” on top of their head which can sense light, a row of spines along their back, and fangs.

Tuataras grow slowly, reaching sexual maturity between ages 15-20. They are nocturnal and emerge from their burrows at night to hunt insects, small birds, and eggs. Though they resemble lizards, they are part of their own distinct lineage.

Due to habitat loss and predation, tuatara populations have declined. Conservation efforts including captive breeding programs seek to preserve these prehistoric survivors, which offer a glimpse into distant eras when early reptiles ruled the land.

Green Iguana

The green iguana is a large arboreal lizard native to the rainforests of Central and South America. With its vivid green skin, ridge of spines along its back, and long tail it is unmistakable in appearance.

Green iguanas are also quite long-lived compared to other lizard species, with lifespans averaging 15-20 years in the wild.

As herbivores, green iguanas spend much of their time foraging for leaves, fruits, and flowers high up in the forest canopy. This arboreal lifestyle helps protect them from ground predators. If threatened, they can drop from branches and plunge into water to make a quick escape.

Their strong jaws and sharp teeth also allow them to deliver painful bites in self-defense.

Though wild populations are decreasing due habitat destruction, green iguanas are popular exotic pets. Their docile nature, unique appearance, and long lifespans make them appealing. However in some areas like Florida and Hawaii, escaped or released pet iguanas have formed sizable invasive populations that damage native ecosystems.

Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon has become a popular pet lizard, admired for its docile nature, hardy constitution, and unique ability to change color. In the wild, these lizards inhabit the arid woodlands and deserts of Australia.

Their average lifespan is 5-10 years though some captive specimens have exceeded 15 years.

Bearded dragons are diurnal, emerging in the morning to bask in the sun and raise their body temperature. They are omnivorous, eating a variety of insects, smaller lizards, mammals, fruit and vegetation.

The name “bearded dragon” refers to the dragon-like appearance of the lizard’s throat when inflated. Both sexes also have spiny “beards” lining their throat which they display when threatened.

As pets bearded dragons are relatively easy to care for, with simple lighting, heating, and dietary needs. Their inquisitive nature and ability to recognize their owners adds to their popularity. Conservation programs also breed captive populations to augment declining wild stocks impacted by habitat loss in Australia.

Snakes

Ball Python

The ball python is one of the most popular pet snakes due to its typically docile temperament. In captivity, ball pythons have been known to live over 40 years, but in the wild they typically live 20-30 years.

Their large size – growing over 5 feet long – and longevity make them a lifetime commitment as a pet.

Ball pythons are native to central and western Africa and thrive in warm, tropical environments. They get their name from their tendency to curl up into a ball when stressed, using their rolled-up coils to protect their head. Wild ball pythons feed primarily on small rodents and birds.

With good care, the ball python can live for decades. Their long lifespan means potential owners should be prepared to house and feed their snake for over 30 years if acquired at a young age. Proper enclosure temperature and humidity are key for a long and healthy life.

Corn Snake

The popular corn snake makes an excellent pet for a first-time or experienced snake owner. In captivity, a healthy corn snake lives on average 15-20 years, though some have been known to live over 25 years with exceptional care.

Corn snakes are native to the southeastern and central United States. In warmer southern states like Florida and Louisiana they can live longer, while they may have shorter lifespans of 10-15 years in cooler northern areas.

What makes corn snakes such popular captive pets is their typically docile temperament, manageable adult size of 4-6 feet, and simple care requirements compared to more sensitive tropical species. Their longevity means they require an extended commitment to house and feed appropriately.

Boa Constrictor

The boa constrictor is a non-venomous boa species found in the Americas and some islands of the Caribbean. Due to its large adult size – potentially over 13 feet long – boa constrictors can live over 30 years with proper care.

In captivity, boa constrictors generally live 20-30 years on average. The longest confirmed lifespan for a captive boa constrictor is over 40 years. For boas over 10 feet long, most estimate an age of 15-20 years old.

Providing appropriate large enclosures and proper temperatures in captivity allows boas to achieve their maximum lifespan potential. Their longevity means a boa constrictor is a multi-decade commitment requiring extensive caretaking.

Crocodilians

American alligator

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large crocodilian species endemic to the southeastern United States. These apex predators can live for over 70 years in the wild, making them some of the longest living reptiles on Earth.

American alligators inhabit freshwater wetlands like marshes, swamps, ponds, and lakes from North Carolina to Texas. They thrive in warm subtropical climates. Their large size and armor-plated skin protect them from predators.

Some key facts about American alligators:

• Males can grow over 14 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds
• Females reach 10 feet long and 250 pounds
• Have lifespan of 35-50 years typically, over 70 years in exceptional cases
• Hunt fish, snakes, turtles, birds and small mammals for food
• Nest in vegetation near the water and the female guards the nest
• American alligator numbers rebounded significantly after receiving federal protection in 1967

While fearsome in appearance, attacks on humans are quite rare. But it’s still wise to give these ancient reptiles plenty of space!

Saltwater crocodile

The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the world’s largest living reptile species. These formidable man-eaters are also extraordinarily long-lived, with lifespans over 70 years in the wild.

Saltwater crocodiles inhabit coastal areas, rivers and swamps from India and Southeast Asia to northern Australia. They are found in tropical environments and are adept swimmers in salt water, unlike other crocodilians.

Some quick facts on these record-breaking giants:

• Males up to 23 feet long and 2,200 pounds
• Females up to 10 feet long and 500 pounds
• Have powerful bite force up to 5,000 pounds per square inch
• Ambush prey like fish, crustaceans, buffalo, wild boar, monkeys and even sharks
• Responsible for hundreds of deadly attacks on humans per year
• Listed as Least Concern but loss of habitat threatens some populations

While deserving of our respect and distance, learning to coexist with these incredible survivors from prehistory should be the goal where possible.

Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is an iconic apex predator found throughout much of Africa. They live up to 70 years and reach massive proportions over their long lives.

These crocodiles primarily inhabit freshwater rivers, lakes and marshes, including the Nile river and its tributaries. They thrive in tropical and subtropical habitats and do not tolerate cold temperatures well.

Some quick Nile crocodile facts:

• Males up to 18 feet long and 1,650 pounds
• Females up to 12 feet long and 500 pounds
• Primarily eat fish but take almost any animal near watering holes
• Death roll maneuver with victims in their jaws to tear flesh
• Mothers guard nests and assist hatchlings to the water
• Have declined due to hunting and habitat loss

While Nile crocodiles have been responsible for hundreds of human fatalities, ongoing conservation efforts aim to facilitate coexistence where possible. These iconic giants have existed for 200 million years and deserve a continued place on our planet.

Conclusion

While reptiles may seem primitive compared to mammals and birds, they have evolved some impressive adaptations that allow certain species and individuals to achieve remarkably long lifespans. Many reptiles just keep growing with age, have protective shells and scales, and can lower their metabolism during harsh conditions to survive.

Turtles and tortoises are the clear winners when it comes to reptile longevity, with well-documented examples of many individuals living over 150 years. But even certain lizards, snakes, and crocodilians can outlive most mammals in captivity if given proper care over decades.