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Burmese Star Tortoise
Geochelone platynota
Endemic to central Myanmar's dry zones, the critically endangered Burmese star tortoise needs a dry, warm environment with a mix of deciduous forest elements and strong UVB.
Class:Testudines
Order:Testudines
Family:Testudinidae
Genus:Geochelone
Species:Geochelone platynota
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 75 %
Day temperature
20 - 32 °C
Ambient temperature
20 - 32 °C
Night temperature
21 - 23 °C
Basking spot
32 - 35 °C
Minimum enclosure
>= 600 L
UVB
High
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to the dry zone of central Myanmar (Burma). It primarily inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and thorn forests. The species is highly adapted to subtropical dry climates that feature long periods of drought followed by heavy monsoon rains.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Classified in the family Testudinidae, scientific name Geochelone platynota. It is closely related to the Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) but represents a genetically distinct evolutionary lineage. Conservation genetics programs are highly active due to its critically endangered status.
Behavior and Habits: Diurnal and terrestrial. It exhibits bimodal activity patterns, being most active in the early morning and late afternoon when temperatures are moderate. During the dry season, it becomes highly inactive, aestivating under leaf litter or thick scrub to conserve moisture and avoid dehydration.
Morphology: Features a highly domed, dark brown to black carapace decorated with radiating yellow or cream-colored lines forming a star-like pattern. The shell can grow up to 25-30 cm in length. The plastron (bottom shell) is yellow with distinct triangular black blotches. Males are smaller with longer tails.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a very spacious indoor enclosure of at least 200x100 cm for adults, or large secure outdoor pens in warm climates. Substrate should be a deep, well-draining mix of organic soil and cypress mulch. Provide multiple humid hiding boxes filled with damp moss.
Lighting and Heating: High-intensity lighting with a strong (10-12%) UVB source is essential for shell development. Maintain a thermal gradient: daytime cool end at 26-28°C (79-82°F) and a localized basking spot at 32-35°C (90-95°F). Nighttime temperatures should not fall below 20°C (68°F).
Humidity and Hydration: Relative humidity should be maintained at 60-70%, especially for juveniles to prevent shell pyramiding. Provide a shallow, heavy water dish for drinking and soaking. Soak the tortoise in shallow, lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes two to three times a week.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly herbivorous, requiring a high-fiber, low-protein, and high-calcium diet. Feed primarily grasses, weeds, dandelion, clover, and calcium-rich leafy greens. Dust the food with pure calcium carbonate at most feedings and calcium with D3 weekly.
Compatibility: Can be kept individually or in small breeding groups (one male and multiple females). Avoid housing multiple adult males together in the same enclosure, as they will fight, ram each other, and cause severe stress or physical injuries during the breeding season.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) if kept too cold and wet. Shell pyramiding is a permanent deformity caused by dry environments and diets high in protein. Regular fecal checks are advised to monitor for internal parasites.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species is endemic to the dry zone of central Myanmar (Burma). It primarily inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and thorn forests. The species is highly adapted to subtropical dry climates that feature long periods of drought followed by heavy monsoon rains.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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