Radiated tortoise

The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is a tortoise species in the family Testudinidae. It lives mainly in southern Madagascar, but you can also find it across the whole island. It has also been brought to live on the islands of Réunion and Mauritius. Radiated tortoises can live a very long time, with some living up to 188 years.

Sadly, these tortoises are critically endangered by the IUCN. This is mostly because their homes are being destroyed and because of poaching. Protecting these amazing animals is very important for their future.

Description

Adult radiated tortoises are usually between 26 to 38 centimetres (10 to 15 inches) long and weigh between 2.5 to 8.8 kilograms (5.5 to 19.4 pounds). Males are often the largest.

These tortoises have a classic shell shape with a rounded back and strong legs. Their legs, feet, and head are yellow, often with a dark patch on the top of the head. The shell has bright yellow lines that spread out from the center of each dark plate, creating a star-like pattern. This shell design is more detailed than that of other similar tortoises.

Lifespan

Radiated tortoises live for a very long time. The oldest known radiated tortoise, named Tu'i Malila, lived to an estimated age of 188 years.

Range and distribution

Radiated tortoises live only in the far southern and southwestern parts of Madagascar. People have also brought them to the nearby islands of Reunion and Mauritius. They like dry areas with brush, thorn forests, and woodlands.

These tortoises eat mainly plants, with grass making up most of their diet. They also enjoy fruits and juicy plants, especially the Opuntia cactus. They often graze in the same spots, keeping the plants short. They prefer fresh growth because it has more protein and less fiber.

Reproduction

Males are ready to mate when they are about 12 inches (31 cm) long, while females need to be a bit larger. The male starts by bobbing his head and smelling the female’s back legs. Sometimes, he might lift the female slightly.

The male then climbs on top of the female from behind. The female lays three to twelve eggs in a hole she digs, about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep, and then leaves. The eggs take between 5 and 8 months to hatch. Baby tortoises are about 1.2 to 1.6 inches (3.2 to 4 cm) long when they hatch and are white or off-white. They develop their shell soon after hatching.

Conservation

These tortoises are critically endangered because of habitat loss, being taken for food, and being overexploited in the pet trade. They are listed on CITES Appendix I, so it is illegal to trade them commercially in the wild except in very special cases.

We do not know how many of these tortoises are left in the wild, but their numbers are getting smaller. Many experts worry they could disappear from the wild soon. Some zoos and breeding centers are working to help save the species, including a program at the Behler Chelonian Center run by the Turtle Conservancy.

Sadly, sometimes people try to smuggle these tortoises across borders. Officials have found tortoises being carried through airports and in luggage. Sometimes tortoises go missing from breeding places.