Wildlifeof Madagascar
Radiated Tortoise
Tortoises
Photo: Kyle Bedell · CC BY 2.0
Astrochelys radiata
Basic stats
Diet
Mostly grazing (80–90% of the diet), with fruit and succulents; prickly pear is a favourite
Habitat
Dry brush, spiny (Didiereaceae) forest and woodland in the south
Range
Extreme south and south-west Madagascar; introduced to Réunion and Mauritius
Clutch size
3–12 eggs
Incubation period
5–8 months
Size
Carapace length 26–38cm
Weight
Typically 2.5–8.8kg; males largest
The radiated tortoise has a high-domed shell brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the centre of each dark plate, which gives the star pattern and its name. The legs, feet and head are yellow except for a variable black patch on top of the head. The scutes are smooth, and males usually have longer tails than females (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is a grazer that returns to the same patches and so keeps the vegetation trimmed, and prefers new growth that is high in protein and low in fibre. Males bob their heads, sniff the female and hiss and grunt while mating. Females lay 3–12 eggs in a hole 15–20cm deep and leave, and incubation lasts about 5–8 months. The species is very long-lived, with a captive animal, Tu'i Malila, recorded dying at an estimated 188 years (Wikipedia).
Illegal collection for food and the pet trade is a serious problem: in 2018, more than 10,000 tortoises were found in a single house in Toliara. It is on CITES Appendix I. On this guide it is a target species of Berenty, Ifaty and Andohahela.
Quick answers
- What does the Radiated Tortoise eat?
- Mostly grazing (80–90% of the diet), with fruit and succulents; prickly pear is a favourite
- What habitat does the Radiated Tortoise live in?
- Dry brush, spiny (Didiereaceae) forest and woodland in the south
- Where is the Radiated Tortoise found?
- Extreme south and south-west Madagascar; introduced to Réunion and Mauritius
- How many eggs does the Radiated Tortoise lay?
- 3–12 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the Radiated Tortoise incubated?
- 5–8 months
- How big is the Radiated Tortoise?
- Carapace length 26–38cm
- How much does the Radiated Tortoise weigh?
- Typically 2.5–8.8kg; males largest