Indian star tortoise
A species of Typical tortoises Scientific name : Geochelone elegans Genus : Typical tortoises
Indian star tortoise, A species of Typical tortoises
Scientific name: Geochelone elegans
Genus: Typical tortoises
Content
Description General Info
Photo By ADMcCormick , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a threatened species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade, which is the main reason it is endangered. The Indian star tortoise was upgraded to CITES Appendix I in 2019 (threatened with extinction) by full consensus among all member states (of CoP18 with 183 countries), giving it the highest level of...
General Info
Lifespan
80-150 years
Diet
Indian star tortoise largely subsists on a herbivorous diet. The palette encompasses various fibrous plants, grasses, flowers and leaves; however, it expresses marked preference for cacti, thistles, and succulents.
Appearance
Indian star tortoise is a large tortoise with a highly domed, rounded shell. The skin and shell mainly present in an earthy brown color, often adorned with unique patterns of tan or black. Both the shell’s form and the animal's robust, pillar-like legs furnish it with effective defense mechanisms. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Indian star tortoise exhibit solitary life habits, spending their time in self-dug shallow burrows for temperature regulation. Known to forage actively, their herbivorous diet consists primarily of grasses, leaves, and fruit. As non-territorial beings, they don't exhibit defenses for their chosen burrows. These highly adaptive animals are resilient in various habitats, despite their slow mobility.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Tortoises Genus
Typical tortoises Species
Indian star tortoise 
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