Radiated Tortoiseホウシャガメ

Astrochelys radiataCR— Critically Endangered

The radiated tortoise is a strikingly patterned tortoise endemic to the dry spiny forests of southern Madagascar, named for the star-like yellow rays radiating across each shell scute. Almost entirely herbivorous, it is among the longest-lived reptiles on record, with one documented individual, Tu'i Malila, reaching an estimated 188 years. The species is Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction from slash-and-burn agriculture and heavy poaching for food and the illegal pet trade.

Radiated Tortoise (reference photo)
Photo: Kyle Bedell / CC BY 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Testudines / Testudinidae Source
Distribution
Endemic to the dry spiny thickets and brushland of extreme southern and southwestern Madagascar, with introduced populations on Réunion and Mauritius. Source

Did You Know?

  • The genus name Astrochelys means "star tortoise" and the species name radiata means "radiating," both referring to the striking yellow star-burst pattern on each shell scute. Source
  • Tu'i Malila, the most reliably documented long-lived radiated tortoise, died at an estimated age of 188, making it one of the longest-lived reptiles ever recorded. Source
  • In Japan, Nogeyama Zoo in Yokohama achieved the country's first successful captive breeding of the species in 2009. Source

Where to See This Species

8 facilities · 0 individuals

さいたま水族館 (Saitama Suizokukan)Saitama東武伊勢崎線羽生駅または加須駅からタクシーで約15分（約7km）。

さいたま水族館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

横浜市立野毛山動物園 (Yokohama Shiritsu Nogeyama Doubutsuen)KanagawaOpened in 1951

横浜市立野毛山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

京都市動物園 (Kyoutoshi Doubutsuen)KyotoOpened in 1903

京都市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

埼玉県こども動物自然公園 (Saitamakenkodomodoubutsu Shizen Kouen)SaitamaOpened in 1980

埼玉県こども動物自然公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaJR指宿枕崎線「五位野駅」から徒歩約20分、またはバスで「福平農協前」から「谷山・動物園行き」に乗車し終点下車。

鹿児島市平川動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

長野市茶臼山動物園 (Naganoshichausuyama Doubutsuen)NaganoJR篠ノ井駅が最寄り駅。

長野市茶臼山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Tennoji ZooOsakaOpened in 1915

天王寺動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

東京都恩賜上野動物園 (Toukyoutoonshiueno Doubutsuen)TokyoOpened in 1882

東京都恩賜上野動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNでCR（近絶滅種）。野生個体の減少が深刻です。

Habitat

マダガスカル南部の乾燥林と低木地。

Threats

  • 違法採集
  • 生息地の破壊
  • 家畜との競合

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 違法取引対策
  • 保護区での保全
  • 飼育下繁殖

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is it called the radiated tortoise?
Its name comes from the bright yellow lines that radiate outward like a star burst from the center of each dark shell scute. Source
How long can radiated tortoises live?
They are among the longest-lived reptiles known; the most reliably documented individual, Tu'i Malila, is estimated to have lived to about 188 years old. Source
Why is the radiated tortoise critically endangered?
Its native range in southern Madagascar has been heavily degraded by slash-and-burn agriculture and land conversion, compounded by intense poaching for both the bushmeat and illegal pet trades. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org