The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) belongs to the group of land tortoises, like the spur-thighed tortoise, the tortoise Mediterranean or Russian tortoise. These wonderful and curious turtles show a very special feature in their shell, which in addition to being colorful, seems to overflow with yellow stars on a black background, which earned it its name. Do you want to know more about the Indian star tortoise? On our site we will tell you about its origin, characteristics or reproduction among many other curiosities. Keep reading!
Physical Characteristics of the Star Tortoise
The general appearance of a star tortoise is characterized by being that of a land tortoise with an approximate size of 25 centimeters in total length, existing specimens that reach up to 35 centimeters. Their weight usually ranges between 5 and 7 kilograms There is a strong sexual dimorphism, therefore, while females can reach 35 centimeters in length and 7 kilograms of that mentioned above, the maximum in males is 20 centimeters and 6 kilos.
The size also depends on its genetic line, as there are 3 different ones: the northern star tortoise, which is the largest, the medium-sized ones from Sri Lanka and those from southern India, these being the smallest. All of them have the following characteristics in common, their 5 nails and the shell, which we will detail right now for being their most peculiar and unique characteristics.
The shell of these turtles is truly fascinating, as well as being Pronouncedly convex, divided into pyramidal shields, has a very beautiful pattern. The background is jet black, topped by a pattern of yellow radial stripes, with the epicenter at the sharpest end of each of the shields, making them really look like stars. These stars are made up of a total of between 6 and 12 stripes, following this pattern to the plastron.
Star Tortoise Habitat
In the wild, these tortoises are dispersed throughout India, furthermore, as we have seen, there are three typical varieties of each zone of this country that fundamentally vary in their size. They are not only present in the lower region of Bengal, but they are present in Pakistan and Ceylon. The habitat of the star tortoise is varied, as they are able to adapt to different environments, but the most common are the grasslands and forests in which the periods alternate of drought and those of torrential rains- Although it should also be noted that some populations of star tortoise have settled in regions of semi-arid climate with notorious success.
Playing the Star Tortoise
Like the rest of the turtles, this is an oviparous animal, that is, they reproduce by means of eggs. Being land turtles, it is normal for the laying to take place in holes dug in the ground by the females. Females are sexually mature at an age between 7 and 13 years, while males are from 8 years old.
This species breeds between June and September, laying a clutch consisting of between 2 and 8 eggs, which incubate between 110 and 180 days. At the time of laying, the females are protective of their offspring, being able to exhibit aggressive behavior to defend it. In total, during the entire breeding period there are usually between 2 and 4 clutches
As in other land turtles, the sex of the hatchlings is usually determined by weather conditions, being more females in high temperatures and males in lower ones, although if they get too low they usually die sooner of birth.
Star Tortoise Feeding
These turtles are herbivorous reptiles, so their diet is based on plant-based foods. Normally, their diet consists of leaves from trees and shrubs, flowers and fruits typical of the habitats where they live. The feeding of land tortoises, as is the case of the Indian star tortoise, presents a feeding pattern crepuscular, with a greater consumption of food in two times of the day, during the sunrise and sunset hours, when temperatures are less extreme.
If they are in captivity, we must provide fresh vegetables daily, making sure that their diet is rich in fiber, as well as in minerals such as calcium, as both are essential for your he alth. On the contrary, protein levels should be as low as possible, since high protein levels are associated with growth alterations and disorders such as shell malformations.
Pet Star Tortoise
This is a fascinating tortoise, with a surprising and exotic appearance. This can make us long to have one of them in our home, to be able to admire this beauty on a daily basis and enjoy its company. However, before welcoming one of these tortoises as our pet, we must take into account a series of requirements, as they are quite difficult to keep in captivity
To begin with, it is necessary to have a large enclosure, in which the humidity is controlled and kept low, since they do not tolerate it well, and at a warm temperature, since the cold makes them sick. In this way, the minimum temperature of its enclosure must be at least 24 ºC. They do not adapt well to terrariums, something that must be taken into account, because we may not have enough and appropriate space for their habitat.
In addition, UVB and UVA lamps are needed, to ensure that they receive light daily and a heater that makes the temperature not drop, which is a great investment in your enclosure if we do not already have it. Finally, in this enclosure you must also put a place with water in which they can submerge and shaded areas, as well as a source of clean water to drink and a bottom of shavings or mulch.
If our turtle refuses to eat, he is probably suffering from adaptation problems to his new home, this can be fixed with a little patience, getting used to it, but there are cases in which this behavior continues, putting your he alth at risk. In these cases, it is best to consult a veterinarian who is an expert in turtles, as he will be able to assess the joint situation and tell us what measures to take.
In any case, the star tortoise is an animal that is in vulnerable status according to the IUCN, so we must be very careful not to encourage illegal trafficking of species or irresponsible ownership. It is important to check if it is legal to introduce this specimen in our country and to detail with the veterinarian in advance the steps to follow for proper adoption, maintenance and other necessary care.
