Description:
- Also known as Radiator
- CITES listing: Class I (01/07/1975)
- Radiated Tortoise has the following characteristics:
- Radiated and hig-domed carapace - lines radiating from the center of the dark shell plate
- A blunt head
- Elephantine feet
- Almost 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:
- Up to 16 inches (42 cm)
- Up to 35 pounds (16 kgs)
Life Span:
- Up to 50 years
Diet:
- Herbivore
- Fruits, succulent plants, flowers, and grasses
- Favorite 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