Astrochelys radiata

Radiated Tortoises are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, fruits, and flowers. They are slow-moving, terrestrial animals that spend most of their time in the sun or seeking shelter under shrubs and vegetation to avoid the midday heat.

The Radiated Tortoise typically lays 3 to 12 eggs during the breeding season. After laying the eggs in a nest dug into the ground, the female abandons them, and the hatchlings emerge after an incubation period of about 6 to 9 months. The young tortoises are independent from birth and can begin foraging immediately.

The Radiated Tortoise is one of the most beautiful tortoise species, with a dome-shaped shell that can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length. Their unique pattern, consisting of yellow lines that radiate out from a central point on the shell, makes them a prized species among collectors.

Endemic to Madagascar, the Radiated Tortoise is considered a symbol of the island's extraordinary wildlife. Historically, they have been utilized in local traditions and, in recent years, have become threatened by habitat destruction and illegal trade.

The Radiated Tortoise is classified as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation, as well as the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and regulating the trade to help prevent further population declines.