Thomas Peschak's Image

This restless tortoise siesta could be compared to ‘commuters on a train’, as the ‘reptiles jostle for space underneath the stunted tree’. Thomas used a low, wide-angle lens to capture the constant shell-pushing as the tortoise in the foreground fought for its position ‘upstairs’ in the last remaining cool spot.

The dry, hot, Seychelles is a potentially risky environment for these tortoises whose low, domed shells are better for retaining heat than reflecting it. To avoid hyperthermia, the reptiles must seek out shade before the midday temperatures reach 43°C. Few will survive body temperatures higher than 40°C.