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SPECIES

GEOCHELONE PLATYNOTA

The Burmese Star Tortoise (G. Platynota) 

is found exclusively in Burma (Myanmar). Her natural habitat in Myanmar’s central highlands spans both sides of the Irrawaddy River, framed by the villages of Chauk, Pakokku and Myingyan, and today has an area of only 18,000 square meters. This area is home to at least two populations, one to the right and one to the left of the Irrawaddy River. There are currently no known distinguishing characteristics between the two populations.

The area is a steppe, dry in summer with daytime temperatures of up to 36° C and night temperatures of 24° C. In winter (December/January) the peak daytime temperatures are a pleasant 28-31° C, the nights frequently cool down to as low as 10° C. In April the tropical day and night time temperatures resume with the beginning of the 2-3 months long  rainy season. But even during that period there is only a small amount of rain, while ground and air humidity are high.

The Geochelone Platynota females reach a height of over 35cm and a weight of up to 6-7 kg. The males are considerably smaller reaching a height of 28–30 cm and an average weight of 2700–3000 g.

Geochelone Platynota is a vegetarian and very active, curious and incredibly likeable. The tortoise  is not scared of people and the males in particular are keen to approach people. It is easily possible to keep several females and several males together. Only during the mating season is it advisable to separate the sexes for a while.

The Burmese Star Tortoise likes to hide beneath large shrubs and needs plenty of exercise. It is particularly active during late morning and early evening. It loves feeding and eats considerable amounts of food. It is by far less susceptible to illnesses than G. Elegans, tolerates changes in wind and temperatures well and should most definitely be kept in an outdoor enclosure in the summer.
There are very few of these beautiful tortoises left in their natural habitat and it is one of the rarest tortoise species in the world.

One of the priorities of the Tortoise Survival Foundation is our breeding programme for G. Platynota. Controlled breeding of tortoises prevents the black market that is one of the major causes of extinction.