Radiated Tortoise

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Radiated Tortoise

Scientific Name

  • The scientific name of Radiated Tortoise is Geochelone radiata.
  • It is also known as Testudo radiata or Asterochelys radiata

Description

  • Also known as Radiator
  • CITES listing: Class I (01/07/1975)
  • Radiated Tortoise has the following characteristics:
    1. Radiated and hig-domed carapace – lines radiating from the center of the dark shell plate
    2. A blunt head
    3. Elephantine feetAlmost as same as Star Tortoise but larger size and different shell pattern design

Distribution

  • Point of origin is exotic island of Madagascar
  • Can be located at most southern and southwestern part of Madagascar, Mauritius & Reunion

Breeding

  • When male tortoise reaches 31 cm, and female tortoise reaches few cm longer
  • Normally male will fight during breeding season to get its partner

Nesting

  • 3 to 12 spherical brittle-shelled eggs per nest
  • Incubation is from 5 to 8 months
  • Juveniles are between 3 to 4 cm upon hatching

Size

  • Length up to 16 inches (42 cm) or weight up to 35 pounds (16 kgs)

Life Span

  • Up to 50 years

Diet

  • Herbivore
  • Fruits, succulent plants, flowers, and grasses
  • Favourite food is Opuntia cactus
  • Mixture of kale, chicory, and collard greens is also acceptable

Tortoise Habitat and Vivarium Housing

  • These tortoises are found naturally in the most southern and southwestern part of Madagascar
  • Distributed nearby of island of Reunion

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