RADIATED TORTOISE
Geochelone radiata

You'll see radiated tortoises in Madagascar.

Look for them in dry woodlands, scrub and thorn brush.

We eat no meat: Tortoises are herbivorous, eating grasses, cacti and fruits. Red foods seem to be preferred.

Cone heads: The elongated carapace (to 40 cm) is high-domed with abruptly descending sides. The head is usually yellow and the limbs and tail are also yellow. Males have slightly longer tails.

Baby stuff: Mating occurs in spring to early summer. Clutch size is three to 12 eggs. Incubation is 145-231 days. Hatchlings are brightly marked and have flattened, rounded carapaces

Status: Endangered. Unfortunately, the local people regard it as a delicacy.

*Roger Williams Park Zoo is a participant in the Species Survival Program, a cooperative effort by zoos to manage the population of rare and endangered animals. Read more.

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