Size: Length; 40cm. Weight; 16 kg.

Habitat and Distribution: This tortoise is found in dry brush and woodlands in southern Madagascar and has recently been introduced onto the island of Reunion.

Age: 40-50 years in the wild but up to 100 in captivity.

Groups and Breeding: These tortoises mate when they reach a length of around 30cm. Mating is quite noisy with the male making lots of grunting and hissing noises! After mating the female lays up to 12 eggs in a hole about 15-20cm deep. After this she plays no part in their care. They hatch after 145-231 days depending on the ambient temperature and are 3-4cm long.

Diet: Grasses, fruit and succulent plants including cacti!

• Newly hatched Radiated Tortoises are white and brown rather than yellow and do not immediately have a domed shell.
• This tortoise is at risk due to the threat of the pet trade, loss of habitat and even being hunted for food.
• During the breeding season, males fight and attempt to push each other onto their backs.
• These tortoises are known as ‘Sokakes’ in Madagascar.
• The shell is supplied with a network of blood vessels and nerves which mean it can feel when its shell is touched.
• It is claimed that a radiated tortoise given to the Tongan Royal family in the 1770s (1773 or 1777) was the same one pictured in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II visited; it died in 1965 which would make it at least 188 years old!