A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Astrochelys radiata
A land tortoise that is a herbivore. It has a high domed carapace. The striations on the shell are characteristic of this tortoise. It is considered critically endangered due to loss of habitat and poaching and being over exploited in the pet trade.
Originally from the south-western dryer end of the Island they are found all over the Island.
The oldest radiated tortoise lived to be 188 years old. It's name was Tu'i Malila.
Spotted on May 29, 2011
Submitted on Jun 2, 2011
2 Comments
Thanks! I have more to add. They are endangered because of the Pet business demand and greedy people.
Good Photo!