About
They are named for the radiating yellow lines that form star-like patterns on their domed carapace. The markings serve as camouflage as the tortoise rests in the shade of shrubs. Traditionally, local people saw radiated tortoises as rainmakers signaling the start of the monsoon season. There was a taboo against eating or touching them. They were believed to be the returned spirits of village ancestors. However, some other cultures do not share this belief and still consider tortoise meat a delicacy. As survivors in an arid habitat, radiated tortoises seem to have a special appreciation for rain and have been observed “dancing” by shaking water off their bodies as they walk in the rain. This “rain dance” can be seen with the radiated tortoises at the Los Angeles Zoo. Radiated tortoises drink copious amounts of water when it is available so they can survive weeks or months without water. During periods of drought, they can cease the production of liquid waste and store metabolized fluids in the urinary bladder to maintain hydration. Tortoises are adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle with thick elephantine legs to support their weight, five toes on each foot with no webbing between the digits, and strong, muscular forelimbs. The shell has underlying vessels and nerves so it can feel when it is being touched. It is hard and thick to provide maximum protection from predators. Tortoises do not have teeth. A horny beak has a serrated edge along the upper jaw to cut and shred vegetation. Critically endangered, radiated tortoise populations have decreased by as much as 80% in the last 20 years. Threats include habitat loss and poaching for food. Smaller juveniles are collected for the pet trade making it difficult to recover the diminishing population.
In 2008, the IUCN estimated the radiated tortoise could go extinct in the wild in the next 45 years. The species is protected nationally under Malagasy law, however due to poor economic conditions, many of the laws are ignored. Though the economic incentives for illegal trafficking are exceedingly tempting, only a small minority of the Malagasy people poach. The prevalence of poaching can be linked to the severe poverty in Madagascar, where over 80% of the population lives on less than $2 a day. Desperate economic conditions drive illegal activities, despite their devastating impact on the species. To combat this, in North American zoos, 400 specimens are listed as participating in captive breeding programs such as the Species Survival Plan including the LA Zoo who has successfully hatched numerous offspring.
Habitat
Once wide-spread and common, the radiated tortoise now inhabits the dry spiny forests and scrublands in southern and southwestern Madagascar, 25 miles off the eastern coast of Africa. They are usually found in a narrow band within 60 miles from the coast
Diet
Herbivorous. Grazing on grass, fruit, cacti, and other green vegetation makes up 80- 90% of its diet. Like many tortoises, it is attracted to brightly colored fruits fruits. A favorite food in the wild is fruit from the Opuntia cactus (prickly pear cactus). During the rainy season, wild tortoises drink from water that collects on rocks after it rains.
Physical Characteristics
The radiated tortoise is the largest of the “starred tortoises” growing up to 16 in. They can weigh as much as 35 lbs. Males are slightly larger than females with longer tails. Males also have what is called “gular horns” on their plastron (underbelly) for the purpose of male combat during the mating season.
Location Within the Zoo
You’ll find this animal in the roundhouse next to the Africa tram stop.
