Angonoka tortoise
ExploreReptiles
Angonoka tortoise
Astrochelys yniphora
The Angonoka tortoise is a special tortoise that has a beautiful, dome-shaped shell. It is one of the rarest tortoises in the world and loves to munch on grass and leaves in its home.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Angonoka tortoise has a strikingly high, domed shell with distinct, dark brown and yellowish growth rings, often flaring at the front edge. Its head and legs are yellowish-brown, complementing the unique, star-like pattern sometimes seen on its carapace. This combination makes its shell truly distinctive.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyTestudinidaeGenusAstrochelys
Category
ReptilesRarity
Epic
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being slow, they are super important for spreading seeds and growing new plants!
Its name, 'ploughshare tortoise,' comes from the wedge-shaped scute on its front shell!
Male Angonoka tortoises have epic pushing contests using their shells to find a mate!
Only found in one tiny corner of Madagascar, it's one of the rarest reptiles on Earth!
Special abilities
Ability
Ploughshare Power
The Angonoka tortoise uses a special 'ploughshare' on its shell to flip rivals during fights, helping them win over territory.
Ability
Camouflage Cloak
Angonoka tortoises can blend perfectly into their dry forest habitat, staying hidden from danger among leaves.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Angonoka tortoises help new plants grow by spreading seeds in their droppings, which keeps their forest healthy.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 35-45 cm
- Weight
- 8-19 kg
- Lifespan
- 60-100 years
- Top Speed
- 0.3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 1-6
- Incubation
- 180-250 days
Diet & Feeding
This tortoise munches on a variety of plants, helping keep the forest floor clear and healthy.
Primary Foods
- Grasses
- Leaves
- Fallen fruits
- Sedeges
- Bamboo shoots
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Madagascar buzzard
Buteo brachypterus
Juvenile tortoises are vulnerable to this bird.
eaten by
Feral dog
Canis familiaris
Feral dogs sometimes prey on young Angonoka.
eaten by
Feral pig
Sus scrofa
Feral pigs can destroy nests and eat hatchlings.
eats
Kandym grass
Dichanthium annulatum
This tortoise grazes on tough native grasses.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
Madagascar tortoise
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch from a distance and never try to touch wild tortoises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Angonoka tortoise?
35-45 cm
How much does Angonoka tortoise weigh?
8-19 kg
How long does Angonoka tortoise live?
60-100 years
How fast can Angonoka tortoise move?
0.3 km/h
What does Angonoka tortoise eat?
This tortoise munches on a variety of plants, helping keep the forest floor clear and healthy.
Where is Angonoka tortoise usually found?
Grasslands
How does Angonoka tortoise hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Angonoka tortoise lay?
1-6
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