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Indian/Sri Lankan Star Tortoise (G. elegans)
Burmese Star Tortoise
(G. platynota)
Other Starred Tortoises
Angulate Tortoise
(C. angulata)
Misc. Pages
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Radiated Tortoise
Astrochelys
(Geochelone) radiata
photo by Am Wu Photography
Quick facts
Name
- Astrochelys radiata
- Geochelone radiata
- Strahlenschildkröte - German
- Stralenschildpad - Dutch
- Strålsköldpadda - Swedish
- Sädekilpikonna - Finnish
- Tortuga estrellada de Madagascar - Spanish
- Tortue étoilée de Madagascar - French
Origin
- native to Madagascar, an island country east of Africa
Size
- up to 16 inches (40 cm)
- typical female size 9.5 - 14 inches (24.2 - 35.6 cm)
- typical male size 11 - 15.5 inches (28.5 - 39.5 cm)
- up to 35 lbs (16 kg)
- typical male weight 9.9 - 23 lbs (4.5 - 10.5 kg)
- typical female weight 6.8 - 22.5 lbs (3.1 - 10.2 kg)
- largest of the starred tortoises
Color & pattern
- high-domed carapace
- black with yellow, radiating lines
- pattern varies by the individual
- some are more black, some are more yellow
- coloring fades with age
- legs, feet and head are yellow
- a dark patch on the top of the head
Habitat
- dry thorn forests, thorny brush, tall grasses, woodlands
- dry regions with seasonal heavy rain
- prefers open habitats with low scrubs and grasses
Diet & Activity
- primarily herbivorous
- feeds on grasses and succulents
- most active during rains
- does not hibernate
Care
- highly prone to pyramiding
- considered to be a hardy species
- sexual maturity around 16 years of age, but usually grows faster in captivity
Conservation
- CITES I
- critically endangered species
- threatened by widespread habitat destruction, illegal collection for international pet trade, and consumption as food
Tidbits
- Per Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas, Radiated tortoises can live at least 200 years!
- Considered to be one of the most beautiful tortoises in the world.
Books
For more Radiated tortoise related books, see the Star tortoise books page.
Links
- Animal Diversity - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Geochelone radiata
- Arkive - Radiated tortoise, Geochelone radiata
- Blue Cameleon - Madagascar tortoise tour
- CTTC - A Review of the Captive Breeding Program for the Radiated Tortoise at the NYZS's Wildlife Survival Center,
by John L. Behler & John Iaderosa, 1991
- Info Tortuga - Astrochelys radiata, in Spanish
- IUCN Red List - Astrochelys radiata, critically endangered, 2008 list
- JCVI - taxonomy
- National Geographic - Extinction nears for Madagascar's radiated tortoise, Apr 2010
- TSA - Turtle Survival Alliance, Radiated Tortoises at a Critical Crossroads, Mar 2010
- TSA - Radiated tortoise expedition to Madagascar, video posted Jul 2010
- WCS - Wildlife Conservation Society, Tortoises Approach Final Finish Line, Excerpt: "...predict the killing of these reptiles for meat and the pet trade will drive radiated tortoises to extinction within 20 years", Apr 2010
- WCT - caresheet, by Chris Tabaka DVM & Darrell Senneke
Photos
Radiated tortoise, photo by Joe McDaniel
Roger Williams Park Zoo, photo by Alex1961 (cc)
photo by Julia Klarman (cc)
photo by lightmatter (cc)
Perth Zoo, Australia, photo by Paul Morris (cc)
Perth Zoo, Australia, photo by Paul Morris (cc)
photo by Olivier Lejade (cc)
photo by Olivier Lejade (cc)
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