Kingdom : Animalia Class : Reptilia Family : Testudinidae Scientific Name : Geochelone Elegans Size(L) : 20cm-30cm (8in-12in) Weight : 1.3kg-2.2kg (3lbs-4.9lbs) Top Speed : 0.5km/h (0.3mph) Life Span : 30 - 80 years Colour : Green, Black, Brown, Tan, Yellow Skin Type : Scales Distinctive Features : High, domed, star patterned protective shell
- The Indian Star Tortoise is a species of medium-sized tortoise found in India and Sri Lanka.
- They get their name from the distinctive star-like patterns on their domes shell.
- They inhabit the semi-arid scrub forests, the grasslands and the thorny habitats.
- Their shells are highly rounded and their distinctive pattern helps them camouflage in the wild.
- They grow to an average size of 20-30cm and weigh around 1.3-2.2kg
- Since they are quite attractive to look at, they are a very popular choice as exotic pets.
- They use their hard shell to protect themselves by retracting the soft, exposed body parts into the shell
- Indian Star Tortoise is an herbivorous animal feeding on leaves, fruits, flowers and berries.
- Their natural predators are snakes and large birds of prey.
- Humans have also hunted them for their meat and for the exotic pet trade.
- They breed at the onset of monsoons and the females lay around 7 eggs per clutch.
- It is known to be difficult to breed them in captivity.
- Habitat loss and introduction of other predators in their natural environment is the Indian Star Tortoise’s biggest threat.