IndianIndian StarStar tortoisestortoises

Juvenile Care Young Indian Star tor- toises are a common sight in many pet stores and markets throughout Asia. We estimate that 95% die within 6 months because their owners fail to provide an ade- quate diet or try to keep Indian Star Tortoises – Geochelone elegans them in entirely the wrong conditions. It is · From Indian absolutely essential that This tortoise occurs in semi-arid, thorny and grass- subcontinent young Indian Star tor- land habitats. It is also found in some regions featur- toises are provided with ing a higher level of precipitation. Not surprisingly, · Does not hibernate an adequate supply of given its propensity for grassland habitats it grazes calcium and vitamin-D3. extensively upon mixed grasses. It also favours the · 100% herbivorous diet fruit and pads of the prickly pear (Opuntia sp.), suc- If not, they will die from culents and thistles. It captivity it is a common error metabolic bone disease. to feed too much 'wet' food such as lettuce, tomatoes · From dry grassland Use a quality specialist and fruit; in reality this tortoise requires a coarse, habitats reptile supplement or, if high fibre diet. Feeding excessive fruit or 'soft' foods frequently leads to repeated flagellate and other gut not available, crush hu- · Does not tolerate problems such as colic, most probably as a result of man calcium supple- increased gut motility. Star tortoises will graze hap- damp or cold, but does ment tablets into a fine pily on lawn grass if presented with the opportunity powder and apply to the and this seems to prevent most such problems at enjoy warm rainfall food daily. You should source. Meat products should never be given to Star periodically also ensure regular ex- tortoises, nor should high protein vegetables such as beans feature regularly in the diet. This invariably posure to full, unfiltered leads to excessive growth, poor bone formation, dan- · Requires extensive sunlight, as this is es- gerously high blood-urea levels, bladder 'stones' and outdoor and indoor sential to vitamin D3 liver problems. Their demand for calcium and min- synthesis. eral trace elements is high. Use of a supplement is accommodation critical – especially with juveniles and egg-laying fe- males. This species will do well if allowed to roam a · Regular soaking or well planted tropical garden. Access to natural sunlight must always be provided, but take care not to constant access to allow the animal to overheat. Shade is equally essen- water recommended tial. If kept indoors, an oral vitamin D3 supplement must be given, alternatively, use high output UV-B Tortoise Trust full spectrum tubes and change them regularly. Star tortoises like to drink and soak in shallow water, so BM Tortoise always ensure that a clean bathing and drinking tray London is provided. Do not mix with other species, as Star tortoises have proved very susceptible to catching dis- WC1N 3XX eases from other tortoises, even if those tortoises ap- pear healthy themselves. Please consult our other ca- WWW.TORTOISETRUST.ORG resheets on diet, health, and housing for further infor- mation on caring for this species.