Indian star tortoise Facts
Indian star tortoise Facts
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| Interesting Indian star tortoise Facts: |
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| Indian star tortoise can reach 8 to 12 inches in length and 3 to 4.9 pounds of weight. Females are larger than males. |
| Indian star tortoise has high-domed shell that is softer and narrower in males. Shell provides protection against predators (head and legs remain hidden inside the shell in the case of a danger). |
| Indian star tortoise has very convex carapace (upper part of the shell) thanks to which it can return on its feet when it flips over on the back. |
| Indian shell tortoise has dark brown or black carapace with beige and yellow, star-shaped markings which provide camouflage (turtle easily blends with its surroundings). Star-shaped markings are also responsible for the name of this species. Bottom side of the shell, better known as plastron, is black-colored with yellow stripes. |
| Indian star tortoise has medium-sized head, hooked beak and short, thick legs covered with tubercles of various size and shape. Males have long tail, while females have short and stubby tail. |
| Indian star tortoise is diurnal animal that is mostly active in the morning and late in the afternoon. |
| Indian star tortoise is a herbivore. It usually eats leaves, fruit, berries and flowers. Carrion is occasionally consumed in the wild. |
| Indian star tortoise is solitary creature, but it can be seen with other tortoises of both gender in the same area. |
| Indian star tortoise doesn't hibernate during the winter, but it decreases activity during the extremely hot and cold periods of year. |
| Natural enemies of Indian star tortoises are birds of prey, snakes and humans. |
| Mating season of Indian star tortoises takes place at the beginning of the monsoon season. |
| Female usually lays 7 eggs (up to 10) that hatch after 47 to 257 days (depending on a temperature). Young tortoises are born with butterfly- or bow-shaped pattern on the shell which slowly transforms into stars as they grow. Males reach sexual maturity at the age of 6 to 8 years, females at the age of 8 to 12 years. |
| Indian star tortoise is often kept as a house pet. Owners describe it as shy, calm and non-aggressive pet. |
| Indian star tortoises reproduce hardly in the captivity (they are not recommended for inexperienced owners). |
| Indian star tortoise can survive from 30 to 80 years in the captivity. |
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