Common Name: Radiated Tortoise
Scientific Name: Astrochelys radiata
Class: Reptiles
Diet: Herbivore
Size: Full grown adult can up to 30cm - 41cm. Their weight can be up to 2.2kg - 16kg
Average Lifespan: 40 - 50 years
Origin: Southern Madagascar
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2008)
Physical Description
The radiated tortoise has the high-domed shell, a blunt head along with elephantine feet. The colour of their legs, feet and head are yellow.
The shell of the radiated tortoise is design with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell, because of that the name radiated tortoise.
Male radiated tortoises usually have longer tails and the notch in the plastron beneath the tail is more noticeable compare to the females.
The shell of radiated tortoise is supplied with blood vessels and nerves so like other tortoises, so they can feel when being touched.
Habitat
Dry tropical forest
Did You Know?
The carapace of the radiated tortoise is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from center of each dark plate of the shell, hence its name. However, they are Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, being poached for food, and being over exploited in the pet trade. World record: The Radiated Tortoise live until 188 y/o in Tonga (Island area New Zealand - Hawaii) until 1965.
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