What kind of animal is the Indian star tortoise? We will explain the species, characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. The Indian star tortoise is a small turtle that can be found in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, etc., and many people keep it as a pet, but it is designated as an endangered species.
What is the Indian Star Tortoise? Basic Stats
The Indian star tortoise is classified as a turtle in the order Testudins, family Testudinidae, and genus Testudin. Its Japanese name is Indo-hoshi-game, scientific name is Geochelone elegans, and English is Indian star tortoise. Its shell length is 38.1cm, its weight is 5-7kg, and its body length is 20-30cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | インドホシガメ |
| English（英名） | Indian star tortoise/Indian starred tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Geochelone elegans |
| 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) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 20～30cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～7kg |
Habitat
The Indian star tortoise is found in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Indian star tortoises have a black shell with star-shaped dark yellow or gray-brown lines on the carapace. The carapace is dome-shaped and somewhat elongated when viewed from above. The head, limbs, and tail are also black with pale yellow or yellowish brown spots. Indian star tortoises live in forests, scrub forests, and dry grasslands in plains and low mountain areas.
What is their personality like?
Indian star tortoises are active during the day in the rainy season, and are mainly active in the early morning and dusk in the dry season, and often rest during the day. They are very gentle animals and many people keep them as pets.
What is their ecology like?
Indian star tortoises are herbivorous, and live mainly on fallen fruit, leaves, buds, and grasses. They reproduce oviparously, and often lay a large number of eggs. Hatching often takes about 100 days. Their lifespan depends on the species, but they can live for about 8 to 10 years, making them a long-lived animal.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Natural enemies of the Indian star tortoise include wolves and foxes.
Is the Indian star tortoise an endangered species?
The Indian star tortoise is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and international trade is restricted. Not only has its habitat been reduced due to recent development, but it has also been overfished as a pet, which has become a problem.
Can the Indian star tortoise be kept as a pet?
The Indian 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 categories, from large to small. There are various types, such as Akadama soil, coconut shells, and artificial turf. Sometimes they are sold at a low price during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heating appliance 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 producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. Therefore, 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 where individuals can escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash 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 also eating mustard spinach 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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