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Radiated Tortoise For Sale These magnificent animals can live for longer than 100 years. The international pet trade as well as the destruction of their rare and endangered dry forest habitat have led to a dramatic decline in the number of animals. Radiated tortoises are also relatively well-adapted to the issue of water scarcity. They can meet a portion of their water needs by ingesting plant material that has water. They also go into dry torpor in order to save energy. Habitat The tortoise that is radiated gets its name from the stunning yellow lines that radiate from the center of every dark plate on its shell. These lines, which resemble rays of the sun, give it a beautiful appearance. This species is found only in the scrublands and forests in Madagascar. It is classified as Critically Endangered. The main threats to it are habitat loss, the introduction of non-native plants and the collection for the pet trade. In the wild, snakes and large birds prey on turtles with radiated shells. They have a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves, including making a loud screeching sound and hiding their soft limbs or heads inside their hard shells. They also graze, which keeps the vegetation around them trim, protecting them from predators. Despite their name they are a great pet in captivity. They are a favourite among tortoise lovers. They are intelligent and sociable animal that makes an excellent companion animal. In fact, they could last for up to 50 years or more in captivity if they are treated with care and conditions. They will require a large enclosure with a temperature gradient and UVB light and areas to hide and soak up the sun. They are required to eat a nutritious diet of green vegetables, fruits, and occasionally fruits. Like other tortoises, radiated tortoises are a bit difficult to visibly sexually sex, but they can be sexually mature at the age of 12. Males might have a longer tail and scutes that are narrower on their plastron. Females will have a larger plastron, and a smaller tail. Despite being listed on CITES Appendix I which is the highest level of protection the radiated turtles are frequently killed for their carapace and meat in the wild. They are also poached for the booming international pet trade. The combination of these two factors makes the radiating turtle one of most endangered species on the planet. However, conservation organizations have been working diligently to improve their status and keep the species from becoming extinct in the wild. Diet In the wild they are known as browsers who consume meadow plants, grasses and low leaves of shrubs and bushes, and some flower. They also graze cactus pad which is an essential part of their diet. They can digest prickly plants easily due to their tough skins and sturdy beaks. In captivity, they are able to easily meet their dietary requirements through a variety of hays. They also consume greens and fruit. We recommend the Mazuri tortoise diet, supplemented with spring mix, cactus pads, and zucchini. Like most tortoises, radiated tortoises are active and spend most of the day grazing. In the wild, radiated tortoises tend to graze between sunset and sunrise, while to avoid the midday sun. They can cool down, rest and still hunt during the day. They have been classified as Critically Endangered because of habitat destruction and exploitation for the pet trade. In the wild they are prey for many predators like Snakes and Birds Of Prey. They can defend themselves by making screeching sounds and pulling their soft limbs and heads within their shells. Unfortunately, these defenses are not always enough to defend them. Adult radiated tortoises can live in hot, dry climates with no humidity. However, we suggest the highest level of humidity in the first three years since they are beginning to form their shells and require additional moisture to do this. We provide a humid hide for these tortoises that can be used as an additional shelter or to be placed inside the enclosure. After reaching sexual maturity female radiated turtles begin to produce. This usually occurs when they reach 12 inches. Male radiated tortoises will often appear larger than females when they reach sexual maturity and can be sexied by looking at the anal scutes that are on the plastron. Once a female begins to produce the eggs, she will make a nest with her back legs. Then she will lay between 1 to 6 eggs. Then, she will bury the eggs and leave the nest. She will begin laying eggs again as she grows, typically at least every other year. Care When people hear Madagascar, they think of the animated film that featured a ragtag group of Zoo animals battling the indigenous wildlife of the island. While this film was focused on adorable furry fossa and lemurs, Madagascar is also home to the radiating tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) an animal that is known for its distinctive star-shaped shell markings. In the wild, this striking land tortoise can live for up to 18 years old and is classified as critically endangered. The decline of its populations is attributed to the eradication of its dry, spiny forests and the illegal trade in pet food and food. It is possible to keep these tortoises as pets even though they require patience and dedication. It is best to buy an radiated tortoise that was bred captive. This ensures the animal was raised in conditions similar to those found in the wild. This is essential to the well-being and health of the tortoise. It is also crucial to keep a schedule of veterinary checkups since turtles are extremely susceptible to respiratory illnesses and shell rot. As time passes the tortoises in captivity get used to their human care takers and could even develop a bond with them. They may begin to think that feeding is a part of your presence and may even come to you at meal time to feed. They are known to be extremely active and spend the majority of the day in the sun, eating. When the sun sets, they will retreat into a shady area. They could be active again in the evening. They are also adapted to times of water shortage, as they are able to store large amounts of water in their bladders. They also can cover certain needs by ingesting succulent plants that contain moisture. In buy turtles online of drought, they'll hide in their caves to conserve energy and water. It is crucial to never purchase a tortoise if it appears to be sick or unwell. These animals can often be carriers of harmful pathogens that can quickly spread to healthy specimens. If you're thinking of purchasing one of these magnificent animals, it's best to speak with a reputable breeder or rescue. Health This amazingly beautiful tortoise is an illustration of the urgent need for preservation of Madagascar's critically endangered dry spiny forest habitat. Unfortunately this species is one of the most trafficked wildlife animals on Earth and this is the main reason behind their rapid decline in population. They are sold for food, as pets, and for their decorative shells. The radiated tortoise is a flexible and sociable animal. They are a wonderful tortoise to have as a companion due to their calm personality and long life expectancy. In captivity they are fun to play with. They are very curious, and will approach their owner with excitement when it is time to feed. They are very fast growers reaching 16 inches as adults. They are fond of grazing and eating many fruits and vegetables. Ideal enclosures should resemble their natural habitat, and include areas for hiding and grazing as well as basking. In contrast to other tortoise species, radiated tortoises fare well in dry and hot conditions. They are well adapted to the depletion of water and keep excess water in their bladders to last for periods of drought. They also have the ability to fill a portion of their water needs by eating food that contains water like succulents, forbes, and opuntia cactus. They can go for months without drinking water. In times of extreme drought tortoises that radiate seek refuge in bushes and under decaying leaves, where they may be hidden from predators. As young and hatchlings, radiated tortoises will often group physically close to hiding places in their rearing tanks. This is likely an indication of how they seek physical contact to their conspecifics in the wild. It is not unusual for tortoises that are radiated to reproduce in captivity. However, this is a very labor-intensive and often ineffective process. It requires determination and perseverance for the breeder to take on this job. When females reach 11-12 inches shell length, they are the best age to sex them. At this point, typical sexing characteristics like tail length, gular and scutes and anal scutes are precisely determined.