Radiated Tortoise

Geochelone radiata 

Habitat: Dry spiny forests

Range: South and south-western Madagascar

Natural Diet: Grasses and Opuntia, which is an invasive species in Madagascar

Status in the Wild: Critically Endangered

 

Animal Facts

These tortoises are only found on the island of Madagascar. Unique star-shaped patterns on their shell with yellow centers and lines running from the center to the periphery have made these one of the most beautiful tortoises of the world. Males have a longer, more distinct tails than females. Females produce three clutches of eggs during the breeding season laying up to 5 eggs per clutch. These eggs are incubated for approximately 6 to 8 months.

Conservation: Major threats to wild populations of this species are habitat loss due to conversion of native habitat to agricultural land, livestock grazing and due to the collection of wood for domestic use. Individuals are also captured by humans for the pet-trade and for human consumption.

To learn more about field efforts to conserve radiated tortoise, click here