# Dipsochelys dussumieri

The Dipsochelys dussumieri, also known as the Indian Star Tortoise, is a beautiful tortoise with star-like patterns on its shell. These patterns help it blend into its dry, grassy home.

- **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Dry grasslands

![Dipsochelys dussumieri](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Aldabra_Giant_Tortoise_Geochelone_gigantea_edit1.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aldabra_Giant_Tortoise_Geochelone_gigantea_edit1.jpg)

## Appearance

The Dipsochelys dussumieri is a truly massive tortoise, featuring a high-domed, dark grey or black shell. Its thick, elephantine legs and small head give it a distinct, ancient appearance, setting it apart from smaller, flatter-shelled tortoises.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Testudines
- **Order:** Testudines
- **Family:** Testudinidae
- **Genus:** Aldabrachelys

## Interesting facts

- Baby tortoises hatch from eggs buried underground, not in nests!
- The Dipsochelys dussumieri is one of the biggest land tortoises on Earth!
- Their huge feet make special tracks, like tiny elephant prints!
- They can go without food or water for astonishingly long times!

## Special abilities

- **Life of Ages:** Dipsochelys dussumieri has an incredibly long lifespan that helps them witness many generations of their island ecosystem.
- **Mobile Fortress:** Dipsochelys dussumieri can retract into its colossal, bony shell for protection against almost any predator.
- **Water Tank:** Dipsochelys dussumieri can store water in a sac near its bladder, helping it survive long dry periods without fresh water.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 90-120 cm
- **Weight:** 150-250 kg
- **Lifespan:** 100-150 years
- **Speed:** 0.5 km/h
- **Clutch Size:** 4-14
- **Incubation:** 90-120 days

## Diet & Feeding

These gentle giants munch mainly on plants, keeping the island's vegetation trimmed.

- **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Leaves, Woody plant stems, Fruits, Algae
- **Foraging Method:** Grazing

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** Bois de fer (*Sideroxylon grandiflorum*) — Consumes fallen fruits and leaves.
- **Eats:** Bermudagrass (*Cynodon dactylon*) — Grazes on common island grasses.
- **Depends on:** Aldabra Fody (*Foudia aldabrana*) — Benefits from open habitat created by grazing.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
- [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
- [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.

## Collections

- [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and never touch wild tortoises. They need their space!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Dipsochelys dussumieri?

Compare shell shape, shell markings, head stripes and the shape of the feet. Wear, age and algae can hide shell patterns. Turtle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Dipsochelys dussumieri?

90-120 cm

### How much does Dipsochelys dussumieri weigh?

150-250 kg

### How long does Dipsochelys dussumieri live?

100-150 years

### How fast can Dipsochelys dussumieri move?

0.5 km/h

### What does Dipsochelys dussumieri eat?

These gentle giants munch mainly on plants, keeping the island's vegetation trimmed.

### Where is Dipsochelys dussumieri usually found?

Dry grasslands

### How does Dipsochelys dussumieri hunt?

Grazing

## More Reptiles

- [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*)
- [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*)
- [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*)
- [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*)

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Source: [Dipsochelys dussumieri: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dipsochelys-dussumieri)