Sri Lankan Star Tortoise — printable fact sheet

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Sri Lankan Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

The Sri Lankan Star Tortoise is a strikingly patterned terrestrial reptile native to the dry forests and scrublands of Sri Lanka. It is known for its high-domed shell adorned with vibrant, radiating yellow star patterns on a dark brown or black background. This tortoise is relat…

Classification

Reptile

Family

Testudinidae

Habitat

Dry forest and scrubland

Diet

Herbivore

Conservation status

Critically Endangered

Lifespan

30-80 years

Weight

1-3 kg

Scientific name

Geochelone elegans

Did you know?

Unlike many tortoises, the Sri Lankan Star Tortoise can sometimes be found grazing in small groups rather than strictly solitary.
The Sri Lankan Star Tortoise can retract its head, legs, and tail fully into its shell for protection. Its shell pattern provides camouflage among leaf litter and dappled sunlight. Despite their beauty, these tortoises are extremely difficult to breed in captivity.

What I learned

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