Radiated Tortoise

0
@media only screen and (max-width: 640px) {
.jumbotron {
background-image: url(“https://a-z-animals.com/media/animals/images/original/radiated_tortoise-400×300.jpg”);
}
}
@media only screen and (min-width: 641px) and (max-width: 920px) {
.jumbotron {
background-image: url(“https://a-z-animals.com/media/animals/images/original/radiated_tortoise-470×370.jpg”);
}
}
@media only screen and (min-width: 921px) {
.jumbotron {
background-image: url(“https://a-z-animals.com/media/animals/images/original/radiated_tortoise.jpg”);
}
}

Radiated Tortoise

Astrochelys radiata

Last updated: February 1, 2021
Verified by: IMP
Image Credit Olivier Lejade / Creative Commons

The most protected tortoise in the world!

Radiated Tortoise Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Testudines
Family
Testudinidae
Genus
Astrochelys
Scientific Name
Astrochelys radiata

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Radiated Tortoise Conservation Status

Radiated Tortoise Locations

Radiated Tortoise Locations


Radiated Tortoise Facts

Prey
Grasses, Fruits, Flowers
Name Of Young
Hatchling
Group Behavior
  • Solitary
Fun Fact
The most protected tortoise in the world!
Estimated Population Size
Declining
Biggest Threat
Habitat loss
Distinctive Feature
High domed protective shell and yellow limbs
Other Name(s)
Sokake
Incubation Period
4 – 7 months
Age Of Independence
1 month
Habitat
Dry tropical forest
Predators
Birds, Reptiles, Humans
Diet
Herbivore
Lifestyle
  • Diurnal
Common Name
Radiated Tortoise
Number Of Species
1
Location
southern Madagascar
Average Clutch Size
3
Slogan
The most protected tortoise in the world!
Group
Reptile

Radiated Tortoise Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Yellow
  • Black
  • Tan
  • Green
Skin Type
Scales
Top Speed
0.3 mph
Lifespan
30 – 80 years
Weight
2.2kg – 16kg (4.9lbs – 35lbs)
Length
30cm – 41cm (12in – 16in)
Age of Sexual Maturity
15 – 20 years

This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world’s species..

.photo-gallery {
–margin: 0px auto 0px;
–padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}

.gallery-link {
background-image: url(“https://a-z-animals.com/media/animals/images/original/radiated_tortoise1.jpg”);
background-repeat: no-repeat;
background-size: cover;
background-position: center;
height: 500px;
justify-content: center;
text-align: center;
align-items: center;
display: flex;
border: 2px solid #000;
}
.gallery-link img {
height: 50%;
}
@media only screen and (max-width: 768px) {
.gallery-link {
height: 300px !important;
}
}

View all of the Radiated Tortoise images!



Radiated Tortoise Classification and Evolution

The Radiated Tortoise is a relatively large species of Tortoise, natively found on the island of Madagascar. Although having evolved in similar environments to other star-patterned Tortoises from around the tropics, the Radiated Tortoise has more striking and complex markings than those of the Indian Star Tortoise, for example. The Radiated Tortoise is also known as the Sokake in Madagascar, and although they are critically endangered in the wild, it is widely believed that they are the most beautiful of all Tortoise species. Naturally then, they are a popular exotic pet, which is thought to be one of the main reasons for their demise.

Radiated Tortoise Anatomy and Appearance

The male Radiated Tortoise tends to be slightly larger than females and the two sexes are also easily identified as the tail of the male Radiated Tortoise is often substantially longer than that of the female. Radiated Tortoises have high-domed, dark brown to black shells, covered with bright yellow or orange intricate star-like patterns. Unlike other star-patterned Tortoises, the centres of the stars on the carapace of the Radiated Tortoise are not raised, giving their domed shell a smoother appearance. The legs, tail and head are a yellowish colour with a black spot on top of the head, which varies in size between individuals. The appearance of this Tortoise actually camouflages it perfectly in the long grasses.

Radiated Tortoise Distribution and Habitat

The Radiated Tortoise is natively found on the island of Madagascar in the far south and south-western parts of the island. They inhabit dry regions of brush, thorn forests, tall grasses and woodland, with the whole population found in an area 10,000 km squared. Isolated populations can still be found on the higher plateaus as well, but these habitats are incredibly fragmented and the existence of the Tortoise here is not thought to go on for much longer. The Radiated Tortoise is thought to have disappeared entirely from around 40% of its historical range, due to both habitat loss and exploitation.

Radiated Tortoise Behaviour and Lifestyle

Like many other Tortoise species found around the world, the Radiated Tortoise generally leads a fairly solitary life, although it is not uncommon for a number to be found grazing together (particularly around the breeding season). They are incredibly adaptable to the changing seasons from dry and arid to the heavy rains of the monsoon, when they are said to almost dance in the rain to shake it off. Radiated Tortoises also emit a loud screeching sound when startled to hopefully intimidate and then scare off the unwelcome predator. The Radiated Tortoise is a peaceful animal but will become aggressive towards individuals that it sees as a threat.

Radiated Tortoise Reproduction and Life Cycles

Radiated Tortoises usually begin mating when they are around half their adult size, and it starts with the male bobbing his head up and down to court his female. Once mated, the female digs a nest in the ground where she lays up to 5 small eggs (although 10 ore more is not uncommon). After an incubation period of between 4 and 7 months, the young Radiated Tortoises hatch measuring between 3 and 4 cm. Although they are born with their detailed star-patterns, the markings are white until they grow older. Radiated Tortoises usually live for 40 to 50 years, but some have been known to be more than 100.

Radiated Tortoise Diet and Prey

The Radiated Tortoise is a primarily herbivorous animal, and although the majority of its diet is comprised of plant matter, they are known to supplement their nutrition by eating a small animal every now and again. Despite this, they need a high fibre and low protein diet to survive the most successfully. Leafy greens, grasses and herbs make up the bulk of the Radiated Tortoise’s food, along with other plant matter like fruits, berries and prickly pears. In a book written about Tortoises from around the world, the Radiated Tortoise is said to be particularly partial to eating foods that are red in colour.



Radiated Tortoise Predators and Threats

In their natural habitats, these ground-dwelling animals are prey to a number of predators including Snakes and large Birds Of Prey. Radiated Tortoises have a couple of defence mechanisms to try to protect them seeing that they can’t run away, including making a loud screeching sound and the ability to pull their soft limbs and head inside their hard shells. Humans are however, the biggest threat to the Radiated Tortoise both through habitat destruction and exploitation. The Radiated Tortoise is commonly consumed and captured for the exotic pet trade.

Radiated Tortoise Interesting Facts and Features

The oldest living reptile was a Radiated Tortoise known as Tu’i Malila that was given to the Royal family in the mid 1700s by explorer Captain James Cook, and she died in 1965 at around 250 years old from natural causes. Although Radiated Tortoises are native to Madagascar, they have been introduced to the islands of Reunion and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean to boost their Tortoise populations. Despite the fact that many Radiated Tortoises are eaten in Madagascar, it is actually people coming from other parts of the island, as the local tribes living alongside Radiated Tortoises believe there is a taboo against both touching and eating them.

Radiated Tortoise Relationship with Humans

Humans are the biggest threat to Radiated Tortoises, from habitat destruction to their consumption. It is thought that remaining populations have seen an 80% reduction in numbers over just three generations and those inhabiting south Madagascar’s higher plateaus are even worse affected. Despite the fact that the Radiated Tortoise is now one of the most protected Tortoise species in the world, an estimated 45,000 are killed every year across the southern part of the island, just for food. The beauty of the Radiated Tortoise has also meant that they are in high demand in the illegal exotic pet trade.

Radiated Tortoise Conservation Status and Life Today

Due to a dramatic fall in population numbers, the Radiated Tortoise has been listed as being Critically Endangered and is therefore under severe threat from becoming extinct in the wild forever. However, captive breeding programs have been relatively successful and are crucial to the survival of this species in the future. Due to the laws about exporting listed species though, there are few found in captivity, most of which are in the USA where they were taken before the species was declared to be at imminent risk from extinction.

View all 74 animals that start with R


About the Author

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and — of course — pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Radiated Tortoise FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Radiated Tortoises herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Radiated Tortoises are Herbivores, meaning they eat plants.

What Kingdom do Radiated Tortoises belong to?

Radiated Tortoises belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum to Radiated Tortoises belong to?

Radiated Tortoises belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Radiated Tortoises belong to?

Radiated Tortoises belong to the family Testudinidae.

What order do Radiated Tortoises belong to?

Radiated Tortoises belong to the order Testudines.

What type of covering do Radiated Tortoises have?

Radiated Tortoises are covered in Scales.

What genus do Radiated Tortoises belong to?

Radiated Tortoises belong to the genus Astrochelys.

Where do Radiated Tortoises live?

Radiated Tortoises live in southern Madagascar.

In what type of habitat do Radiated Tortoises live?

Radiated Tortoises live in dry tropical forest.

What are some predators of Radiated Tortoises?

Predators of Radiated Tortoises include birds, reptiles, and humans.

What are some distinguishing features of Radiated Tortoises?

Radiated Tortoises have high domed protective shells and yellow limbs.

How many eggs do Radiated Tortoises lay?

Radiated Tortoises typically lay 3 eggs.

What is an interesting fact about Radiated Tortoises?

Radiated Tortoises are the most protected tortoise in the world!

What is the scientific name for the Radiated Tortoise?

The scientific name for the Radiated Tortoise is Astrochelys radiata.

What is the lifespan of a Radiated Tortoise?

Radiated Tortoises can live for 30 to 80 years.

How many species of Radiated Tortoise are there?

There is 1 species of Radiated Tortoise.

What is the biggest threat to the Radiated Tortoise?

The biggest threat to the Radiated Tortoise is habitat loss.

What is another name for the Radiated Tortoise?

The Radiated Tortoise is also called the sokake.

How fast is a Radiated Tortoise?

A Radiated Tortoise can travel at speeds of up to 0.3 miles per hour.

How to say Radiated Tortoise in …
German

Strahlenschildkröte

English

Radiated tortoise

French

Tortue étoilée de Madagascar

Hungarian

Sugarasteknős

Italian

Geochelone radiata

Japanese

ホウシャガメ

Dutch

Stralenschildpad

Polish

Żółw promienisty

Swedish

Strålsköldpadda

Chinese

射紋龜

Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World’s Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  7. Radiated Tortoise Facts, Available here: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Radiatedtortoise.cfm
  8. Radiated Tortoise Care, Available here: http://www.chelonia.org/articles/Gradiatacare.htm
  9. Radiated Tortoise Details, Available here: http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/9014/0
  10. Radiated Tortoise Behaviour, Available here: http://www.petinfospot.com/985/tortoise/radiated_tortoise.html
  11. About Radiated Tortoises, Available here: http://www.unc.edu/~dtkirkpa/stuff/radiated.html

Newly Added Animals

A Russel’s Viper

Russel’s Viper

A Russel’s viper strike is so forceful it can lift its entire body off the ground.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Boxer Dog

Boxer Dog

Bright, energetic and playful!

A Diamondback Moth

Diamondback Moth

Adult males make high amplitude boing noise to attract females

Leave A Reply