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