Indian Star Tortoise Geochelone elegans

The Indian Star Tortoise, named after the attractive markings on its "carapace" (upper shell), is native to India and Sri Lanka. The markings are for camouflage in scrub undergrowth.

Unlike the Radiated Tortoise (link below), the Star Tortoise has a light shell background with dark markings which fade and lighten with age. They can live to over 100 years old.

They are highly endangered by the illegal pet/wildlife trade. Many of those collected and smuggled don't survive the trauma.