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Indian/Sri Lankan Star Tortoise (G. elegans)
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Tidbit: The Angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) cannot tolerate high humidity. Keep their enclosure dry, but always provide a drinking bowl.
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Angulate Tortoise Care Chersina angulata
Angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata) Angulate tortoises in the US Currently, the Angulate tortoise, aka Bowsprit tortoise, is one of the more rare tortoise species in the US. There are very few Angulate tortoise keepers in the US, and captive-bred Angulates are available only occasionally. In the past, large numbers of Angulate tortoises were exported out of Africa. Most of them are said to have died within months due to inability to adjust to the humid conditions in the US and Europe. Humidity is their worst enemy. According to a 2000 Turtle and Tortoise Newsletter (4:8-13), only 368 Angulate tortoises were imported to the US between 1989 and 1997. As a comparison, 11,773 Leopard tortoises and 2,982 Sulcatas were imported during the same time period. The International Species Information System (ISIS) database lists Behler Conservation Center, San Diego Zoo, and Detroit Zoological Society as member institutions having Angulate tortoises. The nonprofit Behler Chelonian Center in California maintains many species of turtles and tortoises, for example, the Radiated and Burmese Star tortoises which are critically endangered. They have also successfully bred Angulate tortoises. Note: In 2000, the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibited [offsite link] the further importation of certain land tortoises, including Leopards and Sulcatas, because they were harboring exotic ticks known to be vectors of heartwater disease. Angulate tortoises in Europe The European Studbook Foundation (ESF) has managed a studbook breeding program for the Angulate tortoise since 1999. During the 1980's and 1990's, several tortoises were imported from South Africa by the ESF and other keepers. Unfortunately, reproduction has been limited and death rate has been high. Due to few participants and low numbers of tortoises in the studbook, ESF discontinued this program in 2009. However, there are several Angulate tortoise keepers and breeders in Europe, especially in Germany, who are not listed in the studbook. Captive care Angulate tortoises like warmth and low humidity, so they are best kept by those who live in a climate meeting these requirements. Captive Angulate tortoises may be susceptible to respiratory infections, skin infections, and shellrot if kept in a too damp environment. Thus, they should be housed in a dry setup. However, Jasser-Häger and Philippen recommend a higher humidity level for Angulate tortoise hatchlings and younsters (Testudo, 2003, links) than for adults. If young ones are kept in too dry conditions, they may become "Toblerone tortoises" (Toblerone is a Swiss chocolate bar shaped like a row of pyramids). Careful though, keeping Angulate tortoises too wet and cold may have tragic consequences. In general, Angulate tortoises can be fairly easy keepers IF provided with the correct environmental conditions and diet. Indoors When indoors, strong UV lights like mercury vapor bulbs are ideal. They provide both heat and UV. The indoor enclosure substrate should be dry. Angulate tortoise keepers have used sand, sandy soil, coconut husk, paper, and other suitable substrates. Jasser-Häger and Philippen recommend newspaper as indoor substrate (Testudo, 2003, links) for Angulate tortoises. A pile of hay can be added for hiding, if you are not allergic to it. Preferably, drinking water should be available at all times. Angulate tortoises can be soaked (bathed) every few days. Some keepers also spray the enclosure with water in the morning to simulate native coastal conditions. Just check that the substrate won't stay damp all the time. Outdoors Angulate tortoises need large, dry outdoor areas with well-draining soil. Avoid substrates that retain humidity. Plant some shade plants in the enclosure and provide hiding places. A sandy area with some flat rocks is perfect for sunbathing. Always keep a bowl of fresh drinking water available.
Angulates are sensitive to high humidity. Thus, they need a dry enclosure.
Angulates enjoying an outdoor meal.
A dry, sandy substrate is ideal for Angulate tortoises' outdoor pens.
Provide plants and shady hiding places.
Do provide clean drinking water at all times.
Angulate tortoises, especially males, can be fairly active. Their preferred temperature range has been observed to be 60°-85° F. Diet In the wild, Angulate tortoises' diet varies depending on the season and the region where they live. They eat grasses, herbs, annuals, and succulents. Sometimes they also consume snails, mushrooms, insects, and feces of other animals. In captivity, a herbivorous diet is recommended. Angulate tortoises can be offered the same foods as Indian/Sri Lankan and Burmese Star tortoises, but their diet should rich in succulents. Typical foods include opuntia cactus, various succulents (e.g. sedums, echeveria), weeds (e.g. dandelion, clover, plantain), grasses, flowers (e.g. hibiscus, dandelion, petunia), squash (butternut, zucchini, pumpkin), and possibly some grocery store greens (e.g. endive, radicchio, winter dandelion). Ideally, include plants from their native habitat. Angulate tortoises' diet should be low in sugar. It may be wise to avoid feeding too much fruit, if any, because large amounts of fruit may optimize flagellate (microscopic parasites) proliferation. Some people count squashes as vegetables, and some as fruit. Supplements Misty Corton recommends a daily supplementation of vitamins and minerals for juveniles, and a weekly supplementation for adults. Youngsters and egg-laying females especially need extra calcium. Keeping cuttlebones in the enclosure provides an additional source of calcium. See the Star diet and Angulate links pages.
Especially, see the Angulate tortoise links page for a caresheet by Misty Corton (South Africa) and the Jun 2003 issue of Testudo magazine by SIGS (Switzerland). Misty Corton's web page includes a long list of plants these tortoises eat in their native habitat. The Testudo magazine is published in German, but you can translate the text of the pdf file online. Also, Thomas Bauer (Germany) describes his captive care and breeding of Angulate tortoises in the book Turtles: Proceedings: International Turtle & Tortoise Symposium. See the Angulate tortoise books page. |
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