The smallest turtle in the world is the speckled padloper (Homopus signatus), which is found in South Africa. This turtle measures just 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) long and 2 cm (0.8 inches) wide, making it one of the smallest reptiles in the world. The speckled padloper is a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as being collected for the pet trade.