Astrochelys Radiata
The radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) is a species of the Testudinidae family. Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern of Madagascar, it can also be found in the rest of this island. The Radiated tortoise has also been introduced to the islands of Réunion and Mauritius decades ago. None of the tortoises introduced in Mauritius however have lived in the wild and all were in captivity, most living in big private gardens as pets. It is a very long-lived species, with recorded lifespans of at least 100 years. These tortoises are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, mainly because of the destruction of their habitat and because of poaching, and illegally collected from the wild and smuggled for the pet trade. It is listed on CITES Appendix I, commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal (permitted only in exceptional licensed circumstances).
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. 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.
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.
The radiated tortoises are herbivores, grazing constitutes 80–90% of their diets, while they also eat fruits and succulent plants.
Males first mate upon attaining lengths of about 12 in (31 cm); females may need to be a few inches longer. Females lay from three to twelve eggs in a previously excavated hole 6-8 in (15–20 cm) deep, and then depart. Incubation is quite long in this species, lasting usually between 5 and 8 months. Hatchlings are between 1.2 and 1.6 inches (3.2 and 4 cm) upon hatching.
For over 20yrs now our tortoises have been kept in a close to wild like environment and we have been legally breeding these beautiful animals and are proud to be able to contribute towards the conservation of the species and fight against the illegal pet trade of those endangered tortoises.