Geochelone Elegans
The Indian star tortoise is a species of tortoise with a highly rounded shell. Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell. These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more easily blends into its surroundings.
Geochelone Elegans
The Indian star tortoise is a species of tortoise with a highly rounded shell. Their name comes from the star-like pattern on their shell. These patterns act as camouflage by helping to break up the shell outline so that it more easily blends into its surroundings.
The Indian star tortoise is found in dry forests in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
30 - 80 years
Indian star tortoises are mainly herbivores. They eat grasses, fruit and flowers. However, they have been known to also eat insects, dung and carrion (dead animals).
The group name for tortoises is a creep, though they are generally solitary animals.
Zoorassic World
The Burmese star tortoise is their closest relative
Reptilia
Testudines
Males compete with rivals by shoving them and flipping them onto their backs.
Approximately 60 days after mating, the females start looking for a suitable nesting site. When they find one, they often urinate on the soil to soften it and then begin digging out a burrow with their hind legs.
Indian star tortoises become inactive in their native habitats during winter months.
The Indian star tortoise is a solitary animal (mostly lives alone). There is no care given to eggs or hatchlings.
Hatchling
Eggs are incubated for approximately 47–180 days.
7-10 eggs in a clutch
Approximately 25-45g.
Females reach maturity between 8-12 years. Males reach maturity between 6-8 years.
Indian star tortoise can measure 20-30 cm in length and can weigh upwards of 6 kgs.
The Indian star tortoise is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Unknown, but decreasing
Threats to the Indian star tortoise include capture for the exotic pet trade and as food, pollution and habitat loss.
Dublin zoo is a member of the Indian star tortoise EEP and has successfully bred Indian star tortoises’ with the last clutch hatching in 2017.
Indian star tortoise can measure 20-30 cm in length and can weigh upwards of 6 kgs.
Indian star tortoises are mainly herbivores. They eat grasses, fruit and flowers. However, they have been known to also eat insects, dung and carrion (dead animals).
Indian star tortoises are not poisonous themselves, however, they can shed the bacteria salmonella in their faeces.
In general, Indian star tortoises do not have ears on the outside of their bodies. The Indian star tortoise has ears that are covered by a flap of skin. Their ears are located on the side of their head, just behind their eyes. Tortoises’ do not hear sound but feel vibrations in the ground which is then transmitted to the eardrum.
Indian star tortoises live on land not in the water.
Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now
