Radiated+Tortoise

toc //Geochelone radiata //

Order: Testudines =**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * In the wild, radiated tortoises eat grasses, cacti, fruits, and other succulents.
 * In captivity, they are fed salads.

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Potential Messaging

 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary, housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Capture of wild animals for the pet trade has significantly damaged the survival prospects of species such as sloths, tamanduas, and many parrots. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []
 * One of the best ways for people to help the rainforest is to reduce their use of tropical woods. Many rainforest trees are felled each year for lumber, furniture, and other products that end up in countries all over the world. Much of tropical wood imported into the United States comes from South America, particularly the Amazon Rainforest. Flooring, musical instruments, picture frames and other products made of rosewood should be particularly avoided to slow deforestation on Madagascar and to avoid the extinction of endangered or vulnerable rosewood tree species from forests all around the equator. Ask guests to consider used or vintage furniture or new furniture made of wood that has been reclaimed from old structures. There are many alternatives to conventional lumber including flooring and other products made from fast-growing bamboo, and decking made of recycled plastic formed to look like wooden boards. [][][]
 * Many regions of Africa including the Congoand the island of Madagascar are extensively mined for coltan and other minerals that go into cell phones, tablets, and computers. Natural habitat, frequently in areas that are legally protected, is lost for wildlife, trees and topsoil scraped away. In addition, toxins from discarded electronics leach out of local landfills and contaminate waterways here at home. Please ask guests to think twice before replacing their electronic devices and to recycle their old ones when they do. []

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Roger Williams Park Zoo: Challenging to present to large groups and transport

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat
Radiated tortoises are found on the extreme southern and southwestern part of the island of Madagascar. They have also been introduced to the nearby islands of Reunion and Mauritius. They live in dry woodlands, scrubs, and thorn bushes.

Physical Description
This is a typically tortoise-shaped tortoise: they have a high-domed carapace, a blunt head, and elephantine feet. The legs, feed, and head are yellow except for a variable-sized black patch on the top of the head. The carapace is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute. This is what gives this species their common name. A radiated tortoise has a moderately sized head with a protruding snout and a slightly hooked upper jaw. These tortoises can reach a length of 16 inches and a weigh of 35 pounds.

Life Cycle
Radiated tortoises mate in the spring and early summer. They build their nests in March, July, August, or September. 3 to 12 eggs are laid in a pre-excavated hole 6 to 8 inches deep. These eggs must incubate for 5 to 8 months, which is very long for turtles. This species can live for 40 to 50 years.

Behavior
When caught, this tortoise emits high-pitched cries to startle the predator.

Threats and Conservation Status
This species is endangered due to habitat loss, the pet trade, and poaching. Radiated tortoises originally became endangered because the Chinese settlers of Madagascar used their meat as an aphrodisiac. This species is found in a very restricted range (naturally occurring in an area of less than 20,000 square miles.) No estimates of the wild populations are available, but their numbers are declining, and many authorities see the potential for a rapid decline to extinction in the wild. In the North American studbook, over 300 specimens are listed as participating in captive breeding programs such as the SSP. Captive breeding has shown great promise.

=__Did you know…__=
 * Radiated tortoises prefer red-colored food.
 * In Madagascar, this species is known as "sokakes."

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * The Philadelphia Zoo
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters