Radiated Tortoise

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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:
  • Radiated and high-domed carapace – lines radiating from the center of the dark shell plate.
  • A blunt head.
  • Elephantine feet. Almost as same as Star Tortoise but a larger size and different shell pattern design.

Distribution

  • The point of origin is the exotic island of Madagascar.
  • It can be located in most southern and southwestern parts of Madagascar, Mauritius & Reunion.

Breeding

  • When the male tortoise reaches 31 cm, and the female tortoise reaches a few cm longer.
  • Normally males will fight during the breeding season to get their 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 kg).

Life Span

  • Up to 50 years.

Diet

  • Herbivore.
  • Fruits, succulent plants, flowers, and grasses.
  • Their favorite food is Opuntia cactus.
  • A 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 parts of Madagascar.
  • Distributed nearby of the island of Reunion.