Central and southern India.
Dry lowland forests, high grassy jungles.
One of the most attractive tortoises. Grayish-brown shell with break-up "star" patterns that are cream to golden-brown in color. Carapace elongated, with strongly elevated or smooth carapace plates.
The Indian star tortoise uses radiating lines on the carapace to break-up shell shape when hiding in tufts of grass. They like water more than any other species of the genus, but are sensistive to long periods of high humidity.
Females lay relatively few eggs, usually 5 -7 per clutch, but may have up to 8 or 9 clutches per year. Incubation lasts about 110 days.
Due to the very distinctively marked, and highly rounded shell of the Indian star tortoise, this species of tortoise has become a popular pet in the world's exotic pet trade.
![]() ![]() |
|
![]() |
|
Class: | reptiles |
Order: | Testudines |
Family: | Testudinidae |
Genus: | Geochelone |
Species: | elegans |
![]() |
|
Length: | 10 - 11 inches |
Average Lifespan: | 30 - 80 years |
Wild Diet: | Fruit, grasses, cactus, flowers and plants. |
Predators: | Birds, reptiles, humans |
![]() |
|
USFWS Status: |
Not Listed
![]() |
CITES Status: |
Appendix II
![]() |
![]() |
|
Where at the Zoo? | Small Animal Building |
![]() |
Learn more about reptiles
or animals from Europe & Asia!
Or,
cross-reference
the two!