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256 Featured Specimen
Radiated tortoise

Details

Radiated tortoise

Astrochelys radiata

Size
30–40 cm · 2.5–16 kg
Diet
Herbivore
Activity
Diurnal
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan
10-40 years

The radiated tortoise is a striking land tortoise of Afrotropical dry forest and semi-desert. Diurnal and solitary, it grazes low vegetation.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
AfrotropicalAfrotropicalAfrotropicalAfrotropical

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses southern Madagascar dry forest, spiny scrub, and semi-desert habitats. Shade, low plants, and dry soil are important.

Appearance

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.

Behavior

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.

Feeding

It is herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, succulent plants, and fallen fruit. It moves slowly while cropping dryland vegetation.

Reproduction

Females dig nests in the ground and lay eggs. Small hatchlings grow under grass and shrubs while avoiding predators.

Notes

Its status is listed as Critically Endangered. Illegal collection and habitat loss are major pressures, making community-linked protection essential.