The critically endangered Radiated Tortoise can be found in the dry woods of southern and southwestern Madagascar, generally about 30 to 50 miles from the coast. They are typically found in areas with low rainfall  and spiny vegetation as well as along high inland plateaus and sandy dunes closer to the coast.

 

The animals were listed as vulnerable by the IUCN in 1982, but after being reassessed in 2008 and finding a substantially lower population, the tortoises have been re-classified critically endangered. Information about the species has shown it has totally disappeared from about 40 per cent of the area that it used to occupy. This is thought to have been caused by a loss of habitat as well as exploitation as the tortoises are often collected for the wildlife and exotic medicine trade. 

Tortoise meat is also considered a luxury delicacy and the remaining populations of the tortoise have been dramatically declining due to ongoing exploitation, as they are being hunted and eaten. While some people in Madagascar believe it is taboo to eat or touch the tortoises, many other natives gather them as the meat is very popular at Christmas and Easter times. Their overall population has shrunk by 80 per cent over the years and it is estimated the species may become extinct in less than 45 years.

 

The animals are herbivores and like to eat grass, although once in a while they may also dine on animal matter. They usually get their water by drinking it from crevices and puddles on rocks after a rainfall.

 

Adult female tortoises are generally between 10 and 14 inches in length and males about 11 to 16 inches long. Mature female tortoises produce up to three clutches of eggs per season with between one and five eggs per clutch. It’s estimated that about 82 per cent of mature females breed during an average year. Nobody is quite sure how long the tortoises live, but it has been estimated that they can keep going for up to 100 years.

 

Some areas of the country are declared as protected, but they aren’t patrolled sufficiently to guard against all poaching. Many people also keep the animals as pets. They are often kept in pens with chickens and ducks as a method of fighting off poultry diseases.

Tortoises that aren’t captured are losing their natural habitat due to deforestation as the wooded areas are cleared for agricultural land, ranching, and the grazing of livestock.

 

While there are efforts to save the tortoises, little research has been done and the majority of it only over the past 10 years. The species is protected nationally under law and there are protected sites and reserves, but more land area needs to be protected. A captive breeding centre has also been set up in order to try and increase the population on the island.

 

A systematic monitoring program has been suggested, which will also include the training of local people about these beautiful creatures and why they should be protected.