Scientific Name
- The scientific name of the Indian Star Tortoise is Geochelone elegans.
Description
- Smallest species in geochelone
- Famous for its star-radiating pattern
- One of the lovely tortoises kept by pet lovers 30 years ago.
- It used to be one of the most popular pet tortoises in captive.
- It is pretty rare now because it is eaten by local people and is susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Distribution
- India (Central and southern India), Sri Lanka, and west into Pakistan
Breeding
- 2 to 6 eggs per clutch
- 2 to 3 clutches per year
- The incubation period is around 50 to 150 days
Nesting
- During rainy season
Size
- Male tortoise = about 20cm
- Female tortoise = about 30cm
Life Span
- 30 to 35 years
Diet
- Vegetarian & Herbivorous (plant-eating); grass, succulents, vegetables, fruits, and occasionally meat.
- Primary foods: Grass, Dark Leafy Greens (e.g., dandelions, mustards, collards, turnips, kales)
- Occasional foods: Pears, Carrots, Apples (with skin), Peaches, Berries, Beans (with skin), Peas (with skin)
- Never try to feed them: Very Juicy Fruits, tomatoes, Bananas, Cabbages, Cucumbers, Bok Choy, Broccoli, etc.
Habitat
- Terrestrial; forests, dry savannahs, and dry grassland