Star Tortoise
Hi! I’m a Star Tortoise
The Star Tortoise is found across India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. They are able to tolerate extremely dry conditions, and inhabit arid shrubland. They feed on seasonal leaves, fruit, and grasses, and only grow to around 30 cm, making them one of the smallest tortoise species. Unfortunately, poaching and habitat loss have been responsible for the decline in Star Tortoises.
The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 2 Star Tortoises: Moose and Beans.
Star Tortoise Facts
Taxonomy
Geochelone elegans
Population Movement
Decreasing
Current Animals
Moose, Beans
Life Span (captive)
Up to 80 years
Weight
Up to 5 - 6 kilograms
Reproduction
Female may lay 3-4 clutches and up to 50 eggs per year
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Group Count
2
Life Span (wild)
30-50 years
Size
around 30 centimetres in length
Gestation
Incubation is between 50 to 180 days
Distribution
Western and southeastern India, the island of Sri Lanka, and southeastern Pakistan.