Burmese Star Tortoise
Critically Endangered
Population
There are around 1,000 estimated to be in the wild
Size
The species grows to be around 25 to 35 centimetres in length
Weight
The weight of the species is around 250 to 500 grams
Countries
Myanmar
Distribution
The species is only found in Myanmar, mostly in the north, but as far south as Moulmein.
Description
The Burmese Star Tortoise is a beautiful tortoise which has a dark carapace which has up to 6 golden stars on it. Sporting a yellow underbelly while having a three point jaw and a protruding snout. Males differ from females by having a thicker tail.
Quick Facts
The Burmese Star Tortoise is one of the least studied tortoises in the world. Very little is known about the species wild behaviours. The species lays eggs in February which are quiet large, but very few in number.
The diet of the Burmese Star Tortoise consists of:
- Grasses
- Mushrooms
- Fruit
- Insects
- Larvae
The habitat of the Burmese Star Tortoise ranges from thorn scrub to pastures to dry deciduous forests.
The main threats of the existence of the Burmese Star Tortoise is that is eaten by the local Myanmar people as well as exported to China as a delicacy.
Conservation Efforts
The Burmese Star Tortoise has an extensive breeding program in place which is proving quite successful. It started in 2004, where the captive breeding program has now reared around 14,000 individuals! This is starting to result in animals being released in the wild, with a 1,000 recently being released. This program will need to continue strongly around the world to give the species maximum opportunities to once again thrive in the wild.
