What kind of animal is the Antarctic Tortoise, which has been successfully hatched and bred in zoos and other places? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. It is endemic to Madagascar and is said to be the most endangered tortoise, and conservation efforts are currently underway. Of course, this turtle is also designated as an endangered species.
What is a Ploughshares? Basic Stats
The Ploughshare tortoise is a turtle classified in the order Testudins, family Testudinsidae, and genus Testudins. Its scientific name is Astrochelys yniphora, and its English name is Ploughshare tortoise. Its carapace length is 36-48cm and its weight is 5-20kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ヘサキリクガメ |
| English（英名） | Angonoka / Ploughshare tortoise / Madagascar tortoise / Madagascar angulated tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Astrochelys yniphora |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Testudinidae、Astrochelys 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科、マダガスカルリクガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 36～48cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～20kg |
Habitat
Ploughshare tortoises are found in Madagascar.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Pit tortoises are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Their carapace is dome-shaped and slightly elongated when viewed from above. The front and rear edges of the marginal carapace are slightly pointed, and the throat carapaces on both sides protrude. The carapace is yellowish brown, grayish brown, or light brown, with dark borders around the joints and surrounding areas of each carapace. Pit tortoises live in shrubs, bamboo forests, brush, and grasslands, and are active during the day.
What is their personality like?
Pit tortoises are docile and very gentle. Therefore, they are a very gentle turtle to keep as pets.
What is their ecology like?
Pit tortoises are almost entirely herbivorous, living on grass and other foods. They are oviparous, laying mainly 3-5 eggs at a time, several times a year. They reach sexual maturity at 20 years of age. Their lifespan is said to be 50 to 100 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
Natural enemies of the antelope tortoise include snakes, birds, and foxes.
Are Plough Tortoises Endangered?
Plough tortoises are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. They are also designated as endangered species. Not only are their habitats reduced due to recent development, but they are also over-hunted as pets, which has become a problem. In Japan, many are hatched at domestic zoos such as Nogeyama Zoo, and wild turtles are exhibited. Information is also available on the internet.
Can Plough Tortoises be kept as pets?
Plough tortoises are also designated as endangered species, so it is difficult, but it is possible to keep them as pets. The items needed to keep a turtle are listed below. Small specimens are newly registered and sold, and there are many recruitments for foster parents, 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 how to keep them warm. There are many products on sale at the shop, 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 wide cage of about 60 cm is required in the shop. We recommend using a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring, from large to small. There are various types such as Akadama soil, coconut shell, and artificial turf. They are sometimes sold at low prices during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heater to make sure the turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermometer and hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to manage 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’s a good idea to have a shelter indoors to give them a place to escape. Make sure to set it up properly so as not to cause them 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, so their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, and they also eat 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 give supplements as a reference. It’s a good idea to start by providing commercially available ones. They contain all the nutrients necessary for living creatures.
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