Radiated tortoise: Difference between revisions
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{{Speciesbox |
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| name = Radiated tortoise |
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| image = Radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) Tsimanampetsotsa.jpg |
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| image_caption = [[Tsimanampetsotsa National Park]], Madagascar |
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| status = CR |
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| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| status_ref = <ref name="iucn">{{Cite journal | author = Leuteritz, T. | author2 = Rioux Paquette, S. | last-author-amp = yes | others = Madagascar Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Red List Workshop | title = ''Astrochelys radiata'' | journal = [[The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] | volume = 2008 | page = e.T9014A12950491 | publisher = [[IUCN]] | date = 2008 | url = http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/9014/0 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T9014A12950491.en | access-date = 24 December 2017}}</ref> |
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| genus = Astrochelys |
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| species = radiata |
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| authority = [[George Shaw|Shaw]], 1802 |
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| synonyms = |
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* ''Testudo coui'' <small>Daudin, 1801</small> ''([[nomen oblitum]])'' |
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* ''Testudo radiata'' <small>Shaw, 1802</small> |
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* ''Psammobates radiatus'' <small>Agassiz, 1857</small> |
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* ''Testudo desertorum'' <small>Grandidier, 1869</small> |
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* ''Asterochelys radiata'' <small>Gray, 1873</small> |
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* ''Testudo [radiata] radiata'' <small>Siebenrock, 1909</small> |
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* ''Testudo hypselonota'' <small>Bourret, 1941</small> |
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* ''Geochelone radiata'' <small>Loveridge & Williams, 1957</small> |
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* ''Astrochelys radiata'' <small>Bour, 1985</small> |
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| synonyms_ref = <ref name="Fritz 2007">{{Cite journal | journal = Vertebrate Zoology | title = Checklist of Chelonians of the World | year = 2007 | author = Fritz Uwe | author2 = Peter Havaš | volume = 57 | issue = 2 | pages = 267–268 | issn = 1864-0575 | url = http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf | archiveurl = https://www.webcitation.org/5v20ztMND?url=http://www.cnah.org/pdf_files/851.pdf | archivedate = 2010-12-17 | accessdate = 29 May 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> |
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}} |
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The '''radiated [[tortoise]]''' (''Astrochelys radiata'') is a [[species]] in the family [[Testudinidae]].<ref name = "Fritz">{{Cite journal |
The '''radiated [[tortoise]]''' (''Astrochelys radiata'') is a [[species]] in the family [[Testudinidae]].<ref name = "Fritz">{{Cite journal |
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| last = Fritz | first = U. |author2=Bininda-Emonds, O. R. P. |
| last = Fritz | first = U. |author2=Bininda-Emonds, O. R. P. |
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| journal = [[Zoology (journal)|Zoology]] | volume = 110 | issue = 4 | pages = 298–307 |
| journal = [[Zoology (journal)|Zoology]] | volume = 110 | issue = 4 | pages = 298–307 |
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| publisher = [[Elsevier]] | location = | date = 2007-07-03 | url = |
| publisher = [[Elsevier]] | location = | date = 2007-07-03 | url = |
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| issn = | doi = 10.1016/j.zool.2007.02.003 | pmid = 17611092}}</ref> Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern [[Madagascar]],<ref name="GnV07">{{cite book|last1=Glaw|first1=Frank|last2=Vences|first2=Miguel|title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar|date=2007|publisher=Vences & Glaw Verlags|location=Cologne, Germany|isbn=978-3929449037|edition=3rd}}</ref> it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of [[Réunion]] and [[ |
| issn = | doi = 10.1016/j.zool.2007.02.003 | pmid = 17611092}}</ref> Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern [[Madagascar]],<ref name="GnV07">{{cite book|last1=Glaw|first1=Frank|last2=Vences|first2=Miguel|title=A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar|date=2007|publisher=Vences & Glaw Verlags|location=Cologne, Germany|isbn=978-3929449037|edition=3rd}}</ref> it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of [[Réunion]] and up to 16 in (41 cm) and weighinConservationpoached for food, and being [[overexploited]] in the pet trade. It is listed on [[CITES Appendix I]], commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal (permitted only in exceptionallicensed circumstances). However, due to the poor economic conditions of daga many of the laws are largely ignored.rities see the potential for a rapid decline to [[extinction]] in the wild.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.science20.com/news_articles/madagascars_radiated_tortoise_could_disappear_2030|title=Madagascar's Radiated Tortoise Could Disappear By 2030|website=Science 2.0}}</ref> In the North American studbook, 332 specimens are listed as participating in captive-breeding programs such as the Species Survival Plan. Captive breeding has shown great pronger, who arrived from Madagascar and flew to Kathmandu, leaving this bag behind. Of the 146 tortoises, 139 were radiated tortoises (''Astrochelys radiata'') and seven were [[Angonoka tortoise|Angonoka tortoises]] (''Astrochelys yniphora''), boh critically endangered tortoise species of [[Madagascar]]. Two radiated tortoises were found dead with broken shells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-146-tortoises-seized-at-mumbai-airport-from-a-nepali-national-2191788|title=146 tortoises seized at Mumbai airport from a Nepali national}}</ref> |
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==Description== |
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[[File:Tortue rayonnée Ile aux Serpents 191108.jpg|thumb|left|The shell star-pattern of the radiated tortoise]] |
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Growing to a [[carapace]] length of up to 16 in (41 cm) and weighing up to 35 lb (16 kg), the radiated tortoise is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful tortoises.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} |
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This tortoise has the basic "tortoise" body shape, which consists of the high-domed carapace, a blunt head, and elephantine feet. The legs, feet, and head are yellow except for a variably sized black patch on top of the head. |
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The carapace of the radiated tortoise is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the center of each dark plate of the shell, hence its name. This "star" pattern is more finely detailed and intricate than the normal pattern of other star-patterned tortoise species, such as ''[[Indian star tortoise|Geochelone elegans]]'' of India. |
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The radiated tortoise is also larger than ''G. elegans'', and the [[scute]]s of the carapace are smooth, and not raised up into a bumpy, pyramidal shape as is commonly seen in the latter species. [[Sexual dimorphism]] is slight. Compared to females, male radiated tortoises usually have longer tails and the notches beneath their tails are more noticeable. |
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===Lifespan=== |
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[[File:TuiMalila.jpg|thumb|left|The stuffed remains of "Tu'i Malila", the longest-lived radiated tortoise on record]] |
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The species is very long-lived. The oldest radiated tortoise ever recorded with certainty was [[Tu'i Malila]], which died at an estimated age of 188.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,200831,00.html Tortoise Believed to Have Been Owned by Darwin Dies at 176] 2nd to last paragraph mentions tu'i Malila's age</ref> A tortoise named [[Adwaita]] is widely believed to have been even older at his death in 2006.<ref name=BBC4837988>{{cite news|author=BBC News – South Asia|title='Clive of India's' tortoise dies|newspaper=BBC News|publisher=[[BBC Online]]|date=2006-03-23|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4837988.stm|accessdate=2014-01-23}}</ref> |
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==Range and distribution== |
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Radiated tortoises occur naturally only in the extreme southern and southwestern part of the island of Madagascar. They have also been introduced to the nearby island of [[Reunion Island|Reunion]]. They prefer dry regions of brush, thorn (Diderae) forests, and woodlands of southern Madagascar.<ref name=iucn/> |
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As the radiated tortoises are [[herbivore]]s, [[grazing]] constitutes 80–90% of their [[diet (nutrition)|diets]], while they also eat [[fruit]]s and [[succulent plant]]s. A favorite food in the wild is the ''[[Opuntia]]'' cactus. They are known to graze regularly in the same area, thus keeping the vegetation in that area closely trimmed. They seem to prefer new growth rather than mature growth because of the high-[[protein]], low-fiber content.<ref name=Egeler>{{cite web|last=Egeler|first=J.|year=2000|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Geochelone_radiata.html|title=Astrochelys (Geochelone) radiata|website=Animal Diversity Web}}</ref> |
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===Reproduction=== |
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[[File:Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) mating (9600538480).jpg|thumb|right|A pair of radiated tortoises mating]] |
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Males first mate upon attaining lengths of about 12 in (31 cm); females may need to be a few inches longer. The male begins this fairly noisy procedure by bobbing his head and smelling the female's hind legs and cloaca. In some cases, the male may lift the female up with the front edge of his shell to keep her from moving away. |
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The male then proceeds to mount the female from the rear while striking the anal region of his plastron against the female’s carapace. Hissing and grunting by the male during mating is common. This is a very dangerous procedure and cases have been recorded where the female's shell has cracked and pierced the vaginal and anal cavities. Females lay from three to 12 [[egg (biology)|eggs]] in a previously excavated hole 6-8 in (15–20 cm) deep, and then depart. |
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[[File:Astrochelis radiata young (7 d).JPG|thumb|left|A seven-day-old tortoise]] |
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Incubation is quite long in this species, lasting usually between 5 and 8 months. Juveniles are between 1.2 and 1.6 inches (3.2 and 4 cm) upon hatching. Unlike the yellow coloration of the adults, the juveniles are a white to an off-white shade. Juveniles attain the high-domed carapace soon after hatching. |
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==Conservation== |
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These tortoises are [[critically endangered]] due to [[habitat loss]], being poached for food, and being [[overexploited]] in the pet trade. It is listed on [[CITES Appendix I]], commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal (permitted only in exceptional licensed circumstances). However, due to the poor economic conditions of Madagascar, many of the laws are largely ignored. |
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No estimates of wild populations are available, but their numbers are declining, and many authorities see the potential for a rapid decline to [[extinction]] in the wild.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.science20.com/news_articles/madagascars_radiated_tortoise_could_disappear_2030|title=Madagascar's Radiated Tortoise Could Disappear By 2030|website=Science 2.0}}</ref> In the North American studbook, 332 specimens are listed as participating in captive-breeding programs such as the Species Survival Plan. Captive breeding has shown great promise as in the [http://www.tortoise.org/archives/radiata.html captive-breeding program for the radiated tortoise at the New York Zoological Society's Wildlife Survival Center]. In 2005, the Wildlife Survival Center was closed,<ref>{{cite news|last=Feuer|first=Alan|date=29 December 2004|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/29/nyregion/29zoo.html|title=After 30 Years of Animal Research, Bronx Zoo to Close Island Preserve|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> and the radiated tortoise captive-breeding program was continued with the inception of the Behler Chelonian Center, the [[Turtle Conservancy]]'s southern California conservation breeding center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://turtleconservancy.org/about/|title=Turtle Conservancy}}</ref> |
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In March 2013, smugglers were arrested after carrying a single bag containing 21 radiated tortoises and 54 [[angonoka tortoise]]s (''Astrochelys yniphora'') through [[Suvarnabhumi International Airport]] in Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traffic.org/home/2013/3/19/largest-seizure-of-critically-endangered-ploughshare-tortois.html|title=Largest seizure of Critically Endangered Ploughshare Tortoises made in Thailand|work=Traffic|accessdate=29 March 2013}}</ref> |
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On 20 March 2016, the customs officials at [[Mumbai airport]] seized 146 tortoises from the mishandled baggage of a [[Nepal]] citizen. This bag was said to belong to a transit passenger, who arrived from Madagascar and flew to Kathmandu, leaving this bag behind. Of the 146 tortoises, 139 were radiated tortoises (''Astrochelys radiata'') and seven were [[Angonoka tortoise|Angonoka tortoises]] (''Astrochelys yniphora''), both critically endangered tortoise species of [[Madagascar]]. Two radiated tortoises were found dead with broken shells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-146-tortoises-seized-at-mumbai-airport-from-a-nepali-national-2191788|title=146 tortoises seized at Mumbai airport from a Nepali national}}</ref> |
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On 12 June 2016, it was reported that 72 radiated tortoises and six angonoka tortoises had gone missing |
On 12 June 2016, it was reported that 72 radiated tortoises and six angonoka tortoises had gone missing fro breeding facility in Thailand.<ref>{{cite web |website=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]] |first=Jani |last=Actman |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/06/crime-blotter-radiated-ploughshare-tortoises-stolen-thailand-madagascar/?google_editors_picks=true |title=78 Rare Tortoises Stolen from Breeding Center |date=12 June 2016 |accessdate=14 June 2016}}</ref> |
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On 20 April 2018, more than 10,000 radiated tortoises were found in a home in [[Toliara]]. In total, the house contained 9,888 live radiated tortoises and 180 dead ones. Rescuers transported them to Le Village Des Tortues ("Turtle Village"), a private wildlife rehabilitation facility in [[Ifaty]], 18 miles north of Toliara. A week after their discovery, 574 tortoises had died from either dehydration or infection. Three suspects (two men and a woman, the owner of the house) were arrested. The men were in the process of burying dead tortoises on the property when the team arrived.<ref>https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/wildlife-watch-radiated-tortoises-poached-madagascar/</ref> |
On 20 April 2018, more than 10,000 radiated tortoises were found in a home in [[Toliara]]. In total, the house contained 9,888 live radiated tortoises and 180 dead ones. Rescuers transported them to Le Village Des Tortues ("Turtle Village"), a private wildlife rehabilitation facility in [[Ifaty]], 18 miles north of Toliara. A week after their discovery, 574 tortoises had died from either dehydration or infection. Three suspects (two men and a woman, the owner of the house) were arrested. The men were in the process of burying dead tortoises on the property when the team arrived.<ref>https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/wildlife-watch-radiated-tortoises-poached-madagascar/</ref> |
Revision as of 01:46, 25 September 2019
The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is a species in the family Testudinidae.[1] Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar,[2] it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Réunion and up to 16 in (41 cm) and weighinConservationpoached for food, and being overexploited in the pet trade. It is listed on CITES Appendix I, commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal (permitted only in exceptionallicensed circumstances). However, due to the poor economic conditions of daga many of the laws are largely ignored.rities see the potential for a rapid decline to extinction in the wild.[3] In the North American studbook, 332 specimens are listed as participating in captive-breeding programs such as the Species Survival Plan. Captive breeding has shown great pronger, who arrived from Madagascar and flew to Kathmandu, leaving this bag behind. Of the 146 tortoises, 139 were radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and seven were Angonoka tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora), boh critically endangered tortoise species of Madagascar. Two radiated tortoises were found dead with broken shells.[4]
On 12 June 2016, it was reported that 72 radiated tortoises and six angonoka tortoises had gone missing fro breeding facility in Thailand.[5]
On 20 April 2018, more than 10,000 radiated tortoises were found in a home in Toliara. In total, the house contained 9,888 live radiated tortoises and 180 dead ones. Rescuers transported them to Le Village Des Tortues ("Turtle Village"), a private wildlife rehabilitation facility in Ifaty, 18 miles north of Toliara. A week after their discovery, 574 tortoises had died from either dehydration or infection. Three suspects (two men and a woman, the owner of the house) were arrested. The men were in the process of burying dead tortoises on the property when the team arrived.[6]
References
- ^ Fritz, U.; Bininda-Emonds, O. R. P. (2007-07-03). "When genes meet nomenclature: Tortoise phylogeny and the shifting generic concepts of Testudo and Geochelone". Zoology. 110 (4). Elsevier: 298–307. doi:10.1016/j.zool.2007.02.003. PMID 17611092.
- ^ Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3rd ed.). Cologne, Germany: Vences & Glaw Verlags. ISBN 978-3929449037.
- ^ "Madagascar's Radiated Tortoise Could Disappear By 2030". Science 2.0.
- ^ "146 tortoises seized at Mumbai airport from a Nepali national".
- ^ Actman, Jani (12 June 2016). "78 Rare Tortoises Stolen from Breeding Center". National Geographic. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
- ^ https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/wildlife-watch-radiated-tortoises-poached-madagascar/
Further reading
- Kirkpatrick, David D. The Radiated Tortoise in Reptile & Amphibian Magazine March/April 1992, pages 18–24.
- Radiated Tortoise Fact Sheet. Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Retrieved April 7, 2008.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Wikispecies-logo.svg/34px-Wikispecies-logo.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)