The radiated tortoise is a species in the family Testudinidae. Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar, it can be also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Réunion and Mauritius. As the radiated tortoises are herbivores, grazing constitutes 80-90% of their diet, while they also eat fruits and succulent plants.
Similar species: Turtles And Tortoises
By Ferdy Christant
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Uploaded Apr 24, 2016. Captured Oct 14, 2015 14:12 in Unnamed Road, Joffreville, Madagascar.
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Today we “shellebrate” World Turtle Day with this turtle-y awesome photo of critically endangered Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata)! They are a beautiful, gentle, and very long-lived species, with recorded lifespans of at least 188 years! Their elegant, star-patterned shell is part of their skeleton and as the turtle grows, so does its shell. Their age can actually be determined by counting the growth rings on the bony plates (scutes) that form the shell. Pretty neat! Radiated turtles are endemic to Madagascar, where wild populations have experienced dramatic declines by up to 80% due to habitat loss and poaching. Without conservation efforts, they could be extinct within the next 20 years. Please share this post to help us increase the respect for and knowledge of these glorious, ancient creatures. {Spotted in Madagascar by JungleDragon founder, Ferdy Christant} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago