The Radiated Tortoise is named for its brilliantly marked shell with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate. These tortoises have strong beaks and thick skin, allowing them to eat prickly plants like cacti. They are known to graze in the same area, which keeps vegetation around them trimmed. This species is classifed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, introduction of non-native vegetation and collection for the food and pet trade.
Range
southern and southwestern Madagascar
Habitat
dry spiny forest
Diet
Feeds on vegetation (grass, cacti, cacti fruits, other plants)
Did you know? While shower time is a favorite enrichment activity for the tortoises at the Aquarium, the Radiated Tortoise is known for this "dancing" behavior during periods of heavy rain in its native range (dry areas of southern Madagascar).
