Details
Astrochelys radiata
The radiated tortoise is a striking land tortoise of Afrotropical dry forest and semi-desert. Diurnal and solitary, it grazes low vegetation.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses southern Madagascar dry forest, spiny scrub, and semi-desert habitats. Shade, low plants, and dry soil are important.
Shell length is about 30-40 cm and weight about 2.5-16 kg. Yellow starburst lines radiate across a dark shell, giving the species its name.
It walks and feeds by day, resting in shade during strong heat. Individuals are mostly solitary but may gather where food or rain draws them.
It is herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, succulent plants, and fallen fruit. It moves slowly while cropping dryland vegetation.
Females dig nests in the ground and lay eggs. Small hatchlings grow under grass and shrubs while avoiding predators.
Its status is listed as Critically Endangered. Illegal collection and habitat loss are major pressures, making community-linked protection essential.
