Breeding captive kleinmanni is a major challenge for this animal's conservation. Captive stock are the only long term
hope for keeping the species genome alive. Understanding and encouraging breeding in the F1 and subsequent captive generations
is an essential task for all who keep this precious tortoise.
As
with all tortoises, these animals have special needs related to breeding. While there are as yet no conclusive studies, there
is anecdotal evidence that patterns of aridity and humidity may affect the inclination of captive bred kleinmanni to continue
breeding. In addition, there is further anecdotal evidence that summer aestivation may also play a role. While none of this
is conclusive, there is clearly a challenge in understanding and promoting breeding success in the captirve bred and rasied
generations.
As with all other tortoise species, interactions during
breeding are fascinating to watch and learn from. There are little rituals that assist them in selecting their mates, special
courtship patterns that determine rank among males and who gets the girl, as well as special squeals and sounds and much hoopla.