Nature Atlas

How Nature Works
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme
Specy

Radiated Tortoise

Reptiles

The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is native to the extreme southern and southwestern tip of Madagascar and has also been introduced to Reunion and Mauritius. Its high-domed shell carries bright yellow lines radiating outward from the center of each dark plate, giving the species its name. It is among the longest-lived of all tortoises, with one captive individual, Tu'i Malila, recorded living to about 188 years, and it is primarily a grazer that favors Opuntia cactus alongside other vegetation. Habitat destruction and poaching for the pet trade and for food have driven severe declines, and the IUCN assesses it as Critically Endangered.

Facts
Classification
Threats
Biological Resource Use 1
Relationship to People
Invasive or Introduced Species 1
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Scientific Name
Astrochelys radiata 2
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered 1
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Radiated tortoise
  • threat (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
    These tortoises are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, mainly because of the destruction of their habitat and because of poaching.
  • human-interaction (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
    Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar, it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Réunion and Mauritius.
  • Speciesbox infobox, conservation status parameter
    status = CR
View the Source
2. Radiated Tortoise (Wikidata)
Wikidata
  • Wikidata Q630954 (P225 taxon name)
  • Statements section, conservation status (P141)
    IUCN Red List conservation status (Wikidata property P141): critically endangered.
View the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.