Geochelone platynota

(Blyth, 1863)

Vernacular names
English : Burmese star tortoise
French : Tortue étoilée de Birmanie

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

Identification
Adults can reach up to 28 cm in carapace length. Highly domed shell with prominent scutes, black background color and groups of radiating lines on side scutes. Dorsal scutes with more evenly spaced and larger yellow lines.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South East Asia and is endemic to Myanmar, being found in the northern areas of the country, south to Moulmein. Lives in dry deciduous forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is one of the most endangered tortoise species in the world, being collected in huge numbers for food. Targeted by reintroduction program.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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