Treasure of the month: A turtle with radiant shell
22 May 2020
Photo: UHH/CeNak,Stau
The ray turtle from the herpetological collection of LIB.
May 23rd is World Tortoise Day. Initiated by the "American Tortoise Rescue", the protection of reptiles is to be remembered on this day. A particularly rare and worth protecting specimen is our treasure of the month May. The ray turtle or Astrochelys radiata, is considered one of the most beautiful turtles with its rays on its shell.
Its dorsal carapace is highly curved and strikingly patterned. The yellow lines, reminiscent of rays, the turtle owes its name. Our treasure is the shell of a younger ray turtle, about 10 years old. When the collection of a Hamburg school was dissolved last year, it found its way into the herpetological collection of LIB. The herpetological collection owns a total of 10 specimens of this turtle preserved over a period from 1888 to the present. The radiating pattern on the turtle's shell varies from animal to animal and fades with age.
Distribution and diet
The ray tortoise is an endemic species and initially lived exclusively in the south and southwest of Madagascar. However, the species can now be found on other islands such as Mauritius and La Réunion. The tortoises prefer very dry and warm habitats. In thornbush savannahs and dry forests they find sufficient shade and food. Radiated tortoises are herbivores. They feed mainly on succulent plants such as opuntias because they store a lot of water.
Heavily threatened
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the radiated tortoise as critically endangered. It is strictly protected by the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and trade in it is prohibited (CITES Appendix I). Its greatest enemy remains man. Clearing of forests and overgrazing contribute significantly to the destruction of their habitat. Furthermore, ray turtles are considered a delicacy in some cultures. Thus, consumption of the turtle species also contributes to the decimation of populations.
Interesting
Male ray turtles grow to an average length of about 30 centimeters and weigh about 20 kilograms. They have a concave abdominal carapace that curves inward. Females are slightly smaller and lighter, weighing about 15 kilograms. Males become sexually mature at about seven years of age, females a little later at nine to ten years. To woo a female, male turtles perform intricate dances. Female ray turtles can lay two to twelve eggs, depending on age. Depending on the temperature, the hatchlings hatch after five to nine months.
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