What kind of animal is the Burmese star turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. It is a member of the turtle family that can be seen in large numbers in Myanmar and other places. It is considered one of the most beautiful turtles, with a beautiful shell, but it is designated as an endangered species.
What is a Burmese Star Tortoise? Basic Stats
The Burmese star tortoise is classified as a turtle in the order Testudins, family Testudinidae, and genus Testudinosa. Its scientific name is Geochelone platynota, and its English name is Burmese starrd tortoise. Its carapace length is 26cm. The list of information is as follows. Currently, it is often introduced and sold together with other creatures in the same category, such as Hermann’s tortoise, African spurred tortoise, and Greek tortoise.
| Japanese（和名） | ビルマホシガメ |
| English（英名） | Burmese starrd tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Geochelone platynota |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Testudinidae、Geochelone 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科、リクガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 26cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5kg |
Habitat
Burmese star tortoises are found in Myanmar and throughout Southeast Asia.
What are their characteristics? What kind of creature are they?
Females of the Burmese star tortoise are larger than males. They have a patterned, dome-shaped carapace that is somewhat elongated, and their head and limbs are covered with scales, with a flat and smooth top. The carapace is black or dark brown, with radial gray-brown or yellowish brown markings on each vertebral plate and costal plate. The head, neck, limbs, and tail are yellow or yellowish brown, and the horns (beak) covering the chin, eardrum, and throat are brown or gray-brown. They live in deciduous forests and grasslands in dry regions.
What is their personality like?
Burmese star tortoises are active during the day and are gentle tortoises that rarely bite. They can be nervous and cautious, so they may quickly retract their faces.
What is their ecology like?
Burmese star tortoises live by eating grasses, other plants, and fruits. They reproduce by laying eggs. They lay 5 to 8 eggs at a time. Their lifespan is 50 to 100 years.
Do they have any natural predators?
Because Burmese star turtles are a type of small turtle, they are often preyed upon by carnivores.
Is the Burmese star tortoise an endangered species?
The Burmese star tortoise is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. Not only has its habitat been reduced due to recent development, but it has also been over-hunted as a pet, which has become a problem.
Can the Burmese star tortoise be kept as a pet?
The Burmese star tortoise can be kept as a pet. The following items are necessary for keeping a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation method. There are many products available in shops, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required at the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are many types such as red clay, coconut shells, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at low prices during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by exposing themselves to strong ultraviolet rays throughout the day, producing vitamin D3 in their bodies that promotes calcium absorption. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place for them to escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Clean the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some komatsuna and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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