RADIATED TORTOISE Geochelone radiata Reptile Order Testudines Description Head and body length up to 16 inches; weight can reach 35 pounds. Range Occurs only in extreme southern and southwestern Madagascar, have been introduced on the nearby island of Reunion. Status Severely endangered due to poaching for food and the pet trade. No estimates of wild populations are available, but numbers appear stable. IUCN -- Vulnerable, CITES appendix I. Upper photo by James Rowan Lower photo by Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Resetricted to arid thorn (Diderae) forests and woodlands of southern Madagascar.   Niche Diurnal. Vegetarian, primarily feeding on grasses, fruit and succulent plants. Life History Males begin to successfully mate when reaching 13 inches, females at about 12 inches. Female digs a nest 6 - 8 inches deep, deposits 3-12 nearly spherical eggs, covers the nest and departs. Incubation estimates range from 145-231 days. Hatchlings are about 1.5 inches long. Special Adaptations Unique star or radiating pattern from scute of carapace. Legs and feet are yellow, and head is yellow with black patch on top.