Astrochelys yniphora

(Vaillant, 1885)

Vernacular names
English : Ploughshare tortoise
French : Tortue à soc

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a carapace length of about 40 cm, often less. Shell usually highly domed, with concentric rings on each scutes. Gular scute projecting between forelegs. Coloration is beige-brown to dark brown with light scute centers.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to the island of Madagascar and is only found as five isolated populations on the north-west of the island. Lives in savannas, dry deciduous forests and mangrove swamps in lowlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species has been nearly wiped out by habitat loss for agriculture and by poaching (still occurring) for wildlife trade and bushmeat.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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