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Radiated tortoise
Our group of radiated tortoises can be found just inside the main entrance to Newquay Zoo.
Radiated tortoiseAstrochelys tortoise
Class:
Reptiles
Order:
Testudines
Family:
Testudinidae
About the Radiated tortoise
This reptile is native to dry thorn forests and tropical woodlands in southern Madagascar. They have been introduced to some other places, including Mauritius and Réunion.
The radiated tortoise is a herbivore that spends 90% of its time grazing, eating leaves, grasses, flowers, fruit and cacti. Much of their diet is also made up of dead leaves.
Conservation
These tortoises are classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, being poached as a source of food, and over exploitation in the pet trade.