Indian star tortoise :
Geochelone elegans
Indian star tortoise at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park,Visakhapatnam
The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and Sri Lanka. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade.
Indian star tortoise
Tortoise at the Houston Zoo
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Sauropsida
Order:Testudines
Suborder:Cryptodira
Superfamily:Testudinoidea
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Geochelone
Species:G. elegans
Binomial name
Geochelone elegans
Schoepf, 1795
Synonyms
-Testudo elegans Schoepff, 1795
-Testudo stellata Schweigger, 1812
-Chersine elegans Merrem, 1820
-Testudo actinoides Bell, 1828
-Testudo actinodes Gray, 1831(ex errore)
-Geochelone (Geochelone) stellata Fitzinger, 1835
-Testudo megalopus Blyth, 1853
-Peltastes stellatus Gray, 1870
-Geochelone elegans Loveridge & Williams, 1957
-Geochelone elegans elegansObst, 1985
-Geochelone elagans Sharma, 1998 (ex errore)
Anatomy and morphology :
The carapace of G. elegans is very convex, with dorsal shields often forming humps; the lateral margins are nearly vertical; the posterior margin is somewhat expanded and strongly serrated. It has no nuchal scute, and the supracaudal is undivided, and curved inward in the male; the shields are strongly striated concentrically. The first vertebral scute is longer than broad, and the others are broader than long, with the third at least as broad as the corresponding costal. The plastron is large, truncated or openly notched in front, and deeply notched and bifid behind; the suture between the humerals is much longer than that between the femorals; the suture between the pectorals is very short; the axillary and inguinal sutures are rather small. The head is moderate in size, with the forehead swollen, convex, and covered with rather small and irregular shields; the beak is feebly hooked, bi- or tricuspid; the edges of the jaws are denticulated; the alveolar ridge of the upper jaw is strong. The outer-anterior face of the fore limbs have numerous unequal-sized, large, imbricate, bony, pointed tubercles; the heel has large, more or less spur-like tubercles; a group of large conical or subconical tubercles is found on the hinder side of the thigh. The carapace is black, with yellow areolae from which yellow streaks radiate; these streaks are usually narrow and very numerous. The plastron likewise has black and yellow, radiating streaks. The Indian star tortoise can grow to 10 inches long. [2]
The patterning, although highly contrasting, is disruptive and breaks the outline of the tortoise as it sits in the shade of grass or vegetation. They are mostly herbivorous and feed on grasses, fallen fruit, flowers, and leaves of succulent plants, and will occasionally eat carrion. In captivity, however, they should never be fed meat.
The sexual dimorphism of adult Indian star tortoises is quite apparent. Females are considerably larger than their male counterparts. In addition, the females' plastrons are much flatter than those of the males, which have a concave shape.
The shape of this creature is presumed to be specially adapted to naturally assist it to return to a stable stance after it has been turned over. Mathematicians Gábor Domokos of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Péter Várkonyi of Princeton University designed a homogeneous object called a gömböc that has exactly one unstable balance point and exactly one stable balance point. Just as a bottom-weighted (nonhomogeneous weight distribution) sphere would always return to the same upright position, they found it was possible to construct a shape that behaves the same way. After that, they noted the similarity to the Indian star tortoise and subsequently tested 30 turtles by turning them upside down. They found many of them to be self-righting.[3][4]
Range and distribution :
They range from India (except Lower Bengal), extending west to Sindh province (Pakistan), and Sri Lanka.
Pet market :
A large number of specimens of this species are found in the illegal wildlife trade in India. Few studies exist which have quantified wild populations and the effect of trade on them.[5]
Indian star tortoise at Mysore Zoo
Some Star tortoise in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park,Dulhazra,Cox'sBazar
Indian Star Tortoise Care Sheet
courtesy to : www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Turtles-Tortoises/Indian-Star-Tortoise/ BY JERRY D. FIFE
Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) :
Indian star tortoises are popular based on their size, personality and appearance. Their care is similar to the leopard tortoise. With yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute and contrasting with their black base color, star tortoises are one of the world’s most attractive tortoise species. They also are not territorial. Multiple males and females may be kept together without the fighting, aggressive biting and ramming encountered during breeding by the European species.
Sketch of a star tortoise fromBoulenger's The fauna of British India
Other and recommended websites :
- www.tortoisetrust.org/care/celegans
- www.a-z-animals.com/animals/indian-star-tortoise/
- www.iucnredlist.org/details/39430/0
- www.startortoises.net/profile
- www.theturtlesource.com/i.asp?id=225689793&p=Indian-Star-Tortoises-(Four-and-Five-Year-Olds)
- www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-startortoise
- www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/elegans
Indian Star Tortoises
Indian star tortoises are popular based on their size, personality and appearance.
Indian star tortoises are native to India, Sri Lanka and southeastern Pakistan. Although there are no formally recognized subspecies, there are geographically separate variants. In the United States herpkeepers typically identify Indian and Sri Lankan star tortoises, but both are classified asGeochelone elegans.
Indian Star Tortoise Availability
Only captive-bred star tortoises are available because they are protected throughout their natural range. There is no legal export of wild-caught specimens.
Indian Star Tortoise Size
Females grow larger than males. Females typically attain a length of about 7 or 8 inches, and males typically only reach 5 or 6 inches in length. Specimens from Sri Lanka and northwest India grow larger. Sri Lankan females may grow to 15 inches long, but males only reach 8 or 9 inches long.
Indian Star Tortoise Life Span
Reports range from 30 to 80 years. Captive star tortoises under proper care may live longer than wild tortoises, which might experience droughts, fires and predators.
Indian Star Tortoise Caging
The preferred setup for adult star tortoises is outdoors. However, if you live in a climate too cold for the tortoises, you may house them indoors. The size of the tortoise also plays a role in its caging. Hatchlings are raised almost exclusively inside. This protects the tortoises from predators and allows better monitoring of food intake and temperature control.
A pen 6 feet long by 6 feet wide is sufficient for one to four tortoises. The walls should be about a foot high and made of block or wood, so the tortoises cannot see through or over them. Star tortoises do not dig, so the walls do not need to be buried. However, sinking the walls into the ground helps to prevent rodents or other animals from burrowing under them. An outdoor enclosure should have a hide box and a variety of shrubs, grasses or bushes to provide protection from the elements and a sense of security. A portion of the pen may be planted with grass or alfalfa for the tortoises to eat. Some rolling terrain is recommended. Tortoises often bask on slopes to maximize sun exposure or dig into them to lay eggs. Bare ground is also required for breeding animals because female tortoises dig in the dirt to lay eggs.
Indoors, adult star tortoises can be permanently housed in a stock tank, plastic pool or large tub. Although a pair of adult star tortoises could be maintained in an enclosure 3 feet long by 2 feet wide, larger enclosures allow you to go longer between cleaning and changing substrates. A clean environment is critical to maintaining a healthy tortoise. Grass clippings, peat moss or potting soil work well as a substrate for permanent indoor enclosures. If a tortoise is only housed indoors at night or during a brief winter period, newspaper works well as a substrate. An indoor enclosure should include different microclimates, including a warm, moist hide box and dry area with a basking light.
Indian Star Tortoise Lighting and Temperature
The optimal temperature for star tortoises is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures around 40 degrees for brief periods, but when nighttime temperatures drop into the 50s or high temperatures fail to exceed 70 degrees, the tortoises should be moved indoors or provided with heat. In wet conditions or high humidity, temperatures should stay above 75 degrees. The combination of cold and wet can be deadly to your tortoise and must be avoided. Moisture levels should be low when the temperature is low, and moisture levels may rise when temperatures are high. High dry temperatures are also acceptable and in fact are provided most of the summer. Star tortoises don’t hibernate, and they cannot survive freezing temperatures. If star tortoises are maintained entirely indoors, temperatures may range from 75 to 90 degrees.
Exposure to natural sunlight or ultraviolet light plays an important role in how a star tortoise absorbs and uses calcium. UVB light or natural sunlight helps the tortoise produce vitamin D3, which helps the tortoise absorb and use the available calcium. Basking in natural, unfiltered sunlight is the best method to ensure sufficient D3 is available for calcium absorption. It is recommended that tortoises have a calcium-rich diet with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2-1. Some tortoisekeepers supplement the diet with manufactured vitamins and D3, but I have not found this to be necessary if the tortoises are provided a varied diet and exposure to UVB light.
Indoors, UVB can be obtained from fluorescent tubes specially made for use by reptiles or from mercury vapor bulbs, which also provide some heat. If fluorescent tubes are used for UVB, a separate lamp may be required for heat, so the tortoise can thermoregulate and raise its temperature to optimal levels for digestion. This heat source should provide a basking area of about 95 degrees.
Indian Star Tortoise Food
Star tortoises graze and feed on a variety of grasses and vegetation. They require a high-fiber diet rich in calcium. Their captive diet may include grasses, greens, vegetables, fruit, and prepackaged or commercial diets.
Grasses may include but aren’t limited to Bermuda grass, rye, mature alfalfa (not sprouts), blue grass and fescue. Greens may include but aren’t limited to collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens and flowers, hibiscus leaves and flowers, grape leaves, escarole, and mulberry tree leaves. Vegetables may include but aren’t limited to spineless cactus pads (Opuntia species), carrots, zucchini, butternut squash, pumpkin, snap or snow peas, mushrooms, sweet potato, yellow squash and bell peppers.
A small portion of their diet may include fruits, such as tomatoes, apples, papayas, cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, mangos and bananas.
Indian Star Tortoise Water
Star tortoises readily drink standing water, so provide a water dish, but check it daily, and clean it as required. Hatchlings may be soaked once or twice a week in shallow, warm water. They will drink and often defecate or pass urate waste, which has a white pastelike appearance.
Indian Star Tortoise Health
Star tortoises are prone to respiratory problems, which occur when a tortoise is cold or is kept in suboptimal conditions. Signs of a respiratory problem include labored breathing, a nasal discharge, a gaping mouth, puffy eyes, lethargy and a loss of appetite. If not corrected, minor problems can progress to more serious conditions, such as pneumonia.
To correct minor respiratory problems, increase the warmth of the enclosure with an extra heat source, such as a fixture with an incandescent bulb or a heating pad under the enclosure. Bump up the temperature, and increase the hotspot 5 to 10 degrees. The added heat will help boost a tortoise’s immune system and allow it to better fight infection. Keep the enclosure hot and dry. Soak the tortoise to keep it well hydrated, and ensure water is available to drink.
Severe cases, or tortoises that do not respond to added heat, will typically require a course of antibiotic drugs prescribed by a veterinarian.
Indian Star Tortoise Handling and Temperament
Not a good pet for young children, tortoises should be handled infrequently. Some star tortoises are shy. They will withdraw their head and limbs, but they will generally learn to recognize their keeper and will come for food.
indian-star-tortoisestar-tortoise-hatchling
Star Tortoise - Geochelone elegans
courtesy to : www.chelonia.org/articles/Geleganscare.htm by Chris Tabaka DVM and Darrell Senneke
This care sheet is intended only to cover the general care of this species. Further research to best develop a maintenance plan for whichever species/subspecies you are caring for is essential..
Star tortoises are stunning in their beauty with the radiating ”star” pattern on their carapace making them an eye-catching disply in zoos or private collections the world over. Removing one of these animals from its display and placing it in tall grass where this pattern mimics the light and shadow of sunlight through tussocks of grass brings about an instant realization of the effectivness of their camouflage pattern as well as a better understanding of their native habitat.
The shell of the Star tortoise may range from smooth to fairly bumpy with raised scutes giving it a pyramided appearance. The reason for this natural pyramiding is uncertain but it is one author’s belief that the raised scutes make it easier for a Star tortoise to right itself should it become turned over. The raised scutes would make it naturally slant to one side or the other, a genuine help in a flat grassy habitat. If higher domed and bumpier Star tortoises had a greater survival rate because of this, the tendency to a pyramided appearance would be selected for in future generations. Star tortoises are a sexually dimorphic species with females growing to much larger sizes than males. A typical male Star tortoise is about 20 cm (8 inches) in SCL (Straight Carapace Length) while a female may grow as large as 30 cm (12 inches)
This species ranges over large parts of the Indian subcontinent including Sri Lanka. At least three geographically separate variants are differentiated and there is the distinct possibility that the species will eventually be divided into several subspecies. Star tortoises from the Northern parts of the Indian subcontinent are large and have a relatively dark ground coloration. Animals from the Southern parts of the subcontinent are smaller with a more intense and contrasting pattern. Sri Lankan specimens look much like the animals of the Southern “type”, but grow much larger and have more yellow in their carapacial radiating lines than the Indian variants.
Geochelone elegans is found in a number of habitat types, from forests to grasslands to deserts but the one uniting trait of these geographical variants is that for at least a portion of the year it is very, very dry. Star tortoises CANNOT tolerate consistently damp or high humidity conditions…much less cold and damp conditions.
HOUSING STAR TORTOISES INDOORS - The most useful form of indoor accommodation for Star tortoises consists of a “turtle table’. ( How to Build an Indoor Land Turtle Table by David T. Kirkpatrick Ph.D) To all appearances this looks like a bookshelf unit flipped onto its back. A reasonable size for a hatchling is 2 feet by 2 feet, (60 cm by 60 cm). As the animal grows the size of this habitat should be increased. For an adult Star tortoise the indoor habitat should be at least 4 feet by 4 feet, (120 cm by 120 cm). Holes can be cut in the bottom of this structure to allow for the sinking of food, water and eventually nesting containers flush with the surface for easier animal access.
The water dish in the habitat should be large enough to allow the tortoise to soak in it if it wishes. It must also be shallow enough to prevent it from drowning. For larger tortoises, photographic developing trays work well for this purpose. As a substrate, in the dry portion of the environment a mixture of topsoil and children’s play sand or cypress bark works well, but for this and other arid loving species the substrate of choice for the authors is grass hay. Grass hay is easily maintained and provides nourishment if they nibble it. This area must be kept dry as the Star tortoise cannot tolerate wet or constant high humidity conditions. If sand is used in the substrate this area should also not have food placed directly upon it as the sand can build up in the tortoises GI tract leading to possible impaction and even death. A completely separate sand-free area in the habitat should be utilized to feed.
In one corner of the environment, a hardware store reflector clip light lamp should be positioned to provide artificial basking facilities. This should be positioned to provide a basking spot of 90 degrees F or so (32 degrees C) in that section of the habitat. The habitat should also be equipped with a full spectrum fluorescent light to provide for UVB. A UVB source is necessary for Vitamin D3 synthesis (needed in calcium metabolism). If preferred to this lighting arrangement a Mercury vapor bulb may be used that fulfills all requirements. There should be a hide box located in the corner away from the basking spot to allow the animal a cooler dim retreat. A dry, outdoor habitat during at least the warmer parts of the year should be utilized for optimum growth/health of the animals though.
OUTDOOR HOUSING – Predator-proof outdoor habitats offer many advantages over indoor accommodations and should be seriously considered as an option during warm weather. In particular, because of their grazing habits, Star tortoises should be kept out of doors when the climate allows if at all possible. A well planted outdoor habitat for food, shelter, UV, and natural behaviors is well worth the minimal investment for the sake of your animal.
DIET: The Star tortoise is a herbivore. It feeds primarily on large amounts of different fibrous, low quality grasses and when available, leafy weeds and greens. A very high fiber, low protein, and calcium rich diet will ensure good digestive tract function as well as smooth growth. Avoid over reliance upon 'supermarket' greens, which typically contain vastly inadequate fiber levels, excessive pesticide residues, and are too rich in sugar content as they are designed for human consumption. While carrion might be eagerly consumed if encountered, the Star tortoise should NOT be fed any meat-based protein. Geochelone elegans fed on cat or dog foods frequently die from renal failure or from impacted bladder stones of solidified urates. Star tortoises are a grazing species; every effort should be made to duplicate this diet in captivity. Fruit should be offered very, very rarely if at all.
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Grasses (timothy, Bermuda)
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Leafy greens (dandelions, clover, endive, grape leaves, mulberry leaves etc.)
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Weeds
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Cactus pad (despined)
Additional calcium supplementation is essential. Powdered calcium can be sprinkled all foods. It is suggested that one use calcium supplemented with vitamin D3 if the animal is being maintained indoors and calcium without D3 if it is outdoors. Provision of a cuttlefish bone, which can be gnawed if desired, is also recommended.
NOTES: Keeping G. elegans successfully can be a challenge outside its natural climate zone. The species tends to develop respiratory problems if not kept in optimum surroundings. Star tortoises are also very susceptible to pathogens such as Mycoplasma carried by other species and strict isolation from ANY contact with them should always be observed. As an example the Leopard tortoise, which has very similar care requirements may host pathogens asymptomatically which could rapidly bring about the death of a Star tortoise.
This species does not hibernate in nature. Facilities should be provided for the continued health and well being of the tortoise indoors in cooler and/or damp conditions. While the species can tolerate dry, cool temperatures fairly well, it cannot handle damp conditions in conjunction with those lower temperatures.
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It should be noted that turtle and tortoise care research is ongoing. As new information becomes available we share this on the World Chelonian Trust web site at www.chelonia.org Serious keepers find it to be a benefit to have the support of others who keep these species. Care is discussed in our free online email community, which may be joined from the web address above. Please contact us about the many benefits of becoming a member of the World Chelonian Trust.
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