Madagascan Radiated Tortoise

Habitat

Lives in dry thorn forests and tropical woodlands of southern Madagascar.

Wild Diet

The radiated tortoise is a herbivore that spends 90% of its time grazing, eating leaves, grasses, flowers, fruit and cacti. Much of their diet is also made up of dead leaves

Behaviour

During mating season, male tortoises will fight each other, and attempt to roll one another onto their backs.

Breeding

During nesting season, up to 12 eggs are laid in a pre-excavated hole about 8 inches deep. The eggs then incubate for eight months, before white hatchlings emerge from the nest.

Threats

Like all species from Madagascar, the radiated tortoise is under threat due to habitat destruction. The species is also exploited for food purposes.