Range:

Habitat:

Dry lowland forests, high grassy jungles.

Characteristics:

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.

Behavior:

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.

Reproduction:

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.

Conservation:

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.