Indian star tortoise
Geochelone elegans
VulnerablePhoto: Jacob.jose · CC BY-SA 3.0
Reptileherbivore
The Indian star tortoise is a striking reptile found in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where it lives in dry scrublands and forests. Known for its beautiful star-patterned shell, this tortoise faces threats from habitat loss and illegal pet trade. It’s now protected internationally to help its declining population.
- Its shell features star-like patterns, making it highly distinctive.
- Over 6,000 were seized globally for the illegal pet trade.
- Protected under CITES Appendix I since 2019.
ForestGrasslandDesertAsia
Read more on WikipediaAt a glance
- Classification
- Reptile
- Scientific name
- Geochelone elegans
- Habitat
- Forest, Grassland, Desert
- Regions in this directory
- Asia
- Diet
- herbivore
- Relative size
- small
- IUCN Red List
- Vulnerable (VU)
