Madagascar Turtles
Land Turtles – Freshwater Turtles – Sea Turtles
The oldest reptiles in the world are well represented on the island, but a large part of these animals, which were hunted for their meat for a long time, are now threatened with extinction.
The Madagascar Turtles – General Description
The Madagascar Turtles are among the most prized turtles in the world. The 
Genera Erymnochelys, Pyxis, or Astrochelys are endemic and among the most coveted in the world, as they are illegally exported.
Some Species like Erymnochelys Madagascariensis also have exceptional medicinal properties, which is one of the reasons for the illegal export and decline of these species.
Madagascar’s land and freshwater turtles are well-known, especially for their star-shaped shells.
Furthermore, they are often the subject of various illegal trades.
News about seizures of Malagasy turtles are easy to find on the internet, all over the world and especially in neighboring islands and Southeast Asia.
It should be noted that turtles are endangered in Madagascar today, prohibited for export, and closely monitored.
The Malagasy themselves are not allowed to hunt or trade turtles. After returning home from their vacation, radiated tortoises have always been a popular pet.
The tortoises of Madagascar belong to three families, the Testudinidae family, the Pelomedusidae family, and the Podocnemidae family.
There are eight species in total. Five of them are endemic to the island.
When talking about tortoises in Madagascar, it is impossible not to mention Nosy Iranja or Turtle Island. This magnificent island, about 200 hectares in size in the northwest of Madagascar, is famous mainly because of these reptiles that inhabit it.
In this corner, there is an abundance of this animal.
It is also a privileged place for tourists to get to know this species.
The Astrochelys genus includes two species, all endemic to Madagascar but introduced to the neighboring islands of Mauritius and Réunion.
The Madagascan tortoises
Astrochelys Radiata
The Madagascan radiated tortoise or Astrochelys radiata is one of the most well-known tortoise species in Madagascar.
The Radiated tortoise, Madagascan radiated tortoise or Astrochelys Radiata is by far the most famous Madagascan tortoise. It can be found in zoos around the world and as a pet for many enthusiasts. It is.
The Astrochelys Radiata is one of the most illegally exported animals from Madagascar.
However, it is an endangered species threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and poaching. It is a protected species listed in Appendix I (most endangered species) of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Identification
The Astrochelys Radiata is mainly recognized by its highly domed shell with stripes in the shape of stars or sun rays. It consists of five vertebral plates, four rib plates on both sides of the flanks, and marginal plates forming the shell.
Its head is two-colored, black-brown on top and yellow underneath.
It is a very gentle animal that loves to be scratched on the head at the first opportunity.
Features
It is an animal that is particularly active during the day in the heat and hides under bushes at night. The Astrochelys Radiata also enjoys rainy weather and muddy grounds.
This tortoise is primarily a herbivore, it particularly loves cactus figs that are abundant in its natural habitat. It also feeds on insects and dead animals, it is particularly greedy.
The radiated tortoise is essentially a plant-eater, it loves cactus figs that are abundant in its natural habitat. It also feeds on insects and dead animals, it is particularly greedy.
located in the southwest of Madagascar, on a coastal area of 200 km between Amboasary and Morombe.
Conservation
The Astrochelys Radiata is protected under Malagasy law (Decree 60126 of October 1960).
Export and even transportation within Malagasy territory are considered illegal. It is also present in several reserves and national parks in this region.
There are also rescue centers for the reintroduction of confiscated animals in Ifaty, which can also be visited.
Astrochelys Yniphora
The Ploughshare Tortoise or Astrochelys Yniphora is a tortoise that lives near the city of Soalala.
The Angonoka, the Malagasy Ploughshare Tortoise or Astrochelys Yniphora is. A land turtle that can be encountered especially in the reserve of the Baie de Baly and around the city of Soalala.
It is a species classified as “critically endangered”, threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat, mainly by bushfires, but also by poaching.
It is a protected species listed in Appendix I (most endangered species) of the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Identification
The Astrochelys Yniphora has a very impressive shell. It can measure up to about 50 cm, with a weight of up to 12 kg.
It is one of the largest species living on the island.
Turtles, the color of the shell is different in adults and juveniles.
Young turtles have a relatively light shell and skin. The rib and vertebral scales are surrounded by black stripes that disappear with age.
The head is two-tone, dark brown and beige on the underside.
Features
It is an animal that is quite active early in the day and hides during the hottest time of the afternoon, then coming out at sunset.
The Angonoka mainly feeds on dried plants, seeds, and bamboo.
Locations
The Ploughshare Tortoise is only seen in small territories near the Baly Bay.
There are exactly 5 small territories: Sada and Behata, Ambatomainty, Betainalika, and Andrafiafaly. They live in areas with thickets, bamboo, and shrubs…
Conservation
The Astrochelys Yniphora is protected by Malagasy law (Decree 60126 of October 1960). Export and even transportation within Malagasy territory are classified as prohibited.
National Park: Baly Bay
Natural enemies of the Ploughshare Tortoise
The main predators of the Angonoka are the Fossa and the Red River Hog (Potamochoerus larvatus).
The genus Pyxis (Spider Tortoises)
The genus Pyxis is also endemic to Madagascar and includes two species.
Pyxis arachnoides
The Arachnoid Pyxis or Pyxis Arachnoides is one of the most famous… Madagascar Turtles. They have three subspecies: Pyxis arachnoides arachnoides, Pyxis arachnoides brygooi, and Pyxis arachnoides oblonga.
Their German name is Spider Tortoise, probably due to the pattern on their shell, which strangely resembles a spider web.
This species is classified as critically endangered.
The Spider Pyxids are threatened by the destruction of their natural habitat and then by poaching.
It is indeed a highly valued animal, subject to many smuggling operations. Additionally, it is also consumed by the local population.
Identification It is believed that the Arachnoid Pyxis, a relatively small animal (about 15 cm), can live for more than 70 years, although this theory has not been fully verified.
It is easily recognizable by its shell, which gives the impression of a spider web, yellow on a black background.
The three subspecies can also be distinguished by their plastron. That of the Brygooi is rigid, that of the Arachnoidea is medium-sized, and that of the Oblonga is highly mobile.
The male can be identified by a longer and thicker tail.
To recognize.
Features
The Arachnoid Pyxis lives in dry and rocky forests, where temperatures up to 40°C can be expected.
However, pyxides only come out in humid weather or less harsh heat, and burrow under bushes, tree roots, and humus in case of excessive heat.
This is a characteristic that keeps pyxides in captivity; they hide under your bed or furniture when the heat is too high.
Therefore, the best time to observe Arachnoid Pyxides is either at sunset or during rain.
Pyxides feed of the Arachnoid Pyxis is a species of tortoise native to Madagascar. They feed on insects, dried leaves, and dead fruits, and can survive on very little food. Despite their shell on their back, they are sometimes very active.
Locations
The Arachnoid Pyxis is found in the southern and southwestern regions of Madagascar, along a territory of 100 km along the coast. From Tuléar to Morombe, you will mainly find the Brygooi Arachnoid Pyxis. From Morombe to Anakao, the habitat is home to the Pyxis arachnoides. And throughout the south, from Anakao to Andohahela, you will mostly find the Oblonga Pyxis arachnoides.
Conservation
The Pyxis arachnoides is under the protection Madagascan laws (Decree 60126 of October 1960) classify the export and even transportation on Madagascan territory as prohibited. It is subject to special protection within the Tsimanampetsotsa, Andohahela, and Kap Sainte-Marie Parks.
NP: Tsimanampetsotsotsa, Andohahela.
RS: Kap Sainte-Marie.
Pyxis planicauda
The Kapidolo, Flat-backed Pyxis, Flat-tailed Pyxis, or Pyxis Planicauda is a tortoise of the genus Pyxis or spider tortoises.
Its English name is Flat-backed spider tortoise, or Spider tortoise with a flattened back.
It has a spiderweb pattern on its shell.
This is a critically endangered species, the Kapidolo are threatened by the destruction of their natural habitat and poaching.
Identification
The Pyxis Planicauda is easily recognizable by its flattened shell, which is flatter than most turtles and especially its neighbor Pyxis Arachnoides, with a yellowish pattern resembling a spider web.
Characteristics
The Pyxis Planicauda lives in dry and rocky forests.
However, it is in the nature of Pyxis turtles to only come out when the heat is not too mild or when the weather is humid. In the meantime, they hide. Pyxis Planicauda, also known as the flat-tailed tortoise, is a species of turtle native to a small coastal area in the Menabe region of Madagascar. They can be found south of the Tsiribihina River, near the Andranomena Special Reserve. These turtles feed on insects, dried leaves, and dead fruits, and are known to be content with very little.
Conservation
The Pyxis Planicauda is protected under Malagasy law (Decree 60126 of October 1960). Export and even transportation within Madagascar are prohibited. They are particularly protected within the Andranomena Special Reserve.
Location
For more information about the Pyxis Planicauda and its habitat, visit the following links:
– Region Menabe: [Menabe Region](https://www.urlaub-auf-madagaskar.com/menabe-der-westen-von-madagaskar/)
– Tsiribihina River: [Tsiribihina River](https://www.urlaub-auf-madagaskar.com/die-umgebung-des-mittleren-westens-zwischen-majunga-und-morondava/)
– Andranomena Special Reserve: [Andranomena Special Reserve](https://www.urlaub-auf-madagaskar.com/andranomena/)
RS: Andranomena
Madagascar’s Freshwater Turtles
Pelomedusa Genus
The Pelomedusa Genus has only one species, the Pelomedusa subrufa.
The African Pelomedusa Subrufa is a water turtle that can be found throughout the African continent, especially in small pools, ponds, and lakes. In Madagascar, it may not be the most popular turtle, but it is indeed abundant.
In fact, the Pelomedusa Subrufa species has three subspecies, but only the Pelomedusa Subrufa Subrufa is found in Madagascar.
The other two subspecies are Pelomedusa Subrufa Olivacea and Pelomedusa Subrufa Nigra.
Check out the Pelomedusa Subrufa care sheet for more information on this fascinating species. The African Helmeted Turtle, also known as Pelomedusa Subrufa, was first discovered and described in Madagascar in 1788.
Identification
The African Helmeted Turtle has a flattened shell, ranging in color from dark olive green to dark brown to black. It has a greyish skin.
An adult turtle measures about 20 cm. Its legs have claws and are not webbed.
Characteristics
It is a strictly carnivorous animal, feeding on insects, snails, crustaceans, worms, fish, and small mammals.
Locations
The Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa Subrufa is mainly found in the western part of Madagascar, in the northernmost Boeny Region and in the southernmost Androy Region.
Conservation
In Madagascar, this animal is not the subject of conservation measures. However, it can be found in some national parks and reserves such as Namoroka, Baly Bay, Ankarafantsika, Kirindy Mitea, Tsimanampetsotsa, or Andohahela.
Pelusios Subniger
Pelusios Subniger is a semi-aquatic species of turtle found in the eastern part of Madagascar, near Tamatave.
The East African blackish Pelus or Pelusios Subniger is a freshwater turtle from the Pelomeducidae family.
It is a turtle also found in the eastern part of Africa.
In fact, the species is not the subject of conservation measures in Madagascar. However, it can be found in some national parks and reserves such as Namoroka, Baly Bay, Ankarafantsika, Kirindy Mitea, Tsimanampetsotsa, or Andohahela.
Pelusios Subniger has two subspecies, but only Pelusios Subniger Subniger exists in Madagascar, as well as on the African continent.
Indeed, the species Pelusios Subniger Parietalis is endemic to the Seychelles archipelago.
Identification
As the name suggests, the dark-colored Pelus has a shell and skin that turns black or dark brown. The adult is no larger than 20 cm.
Characteristics
Pelusios Subniger feeds on fish, snails, frogs, crabs, aquatic plants, and fruits.
It is an animal that is most active at night and basks in the sun during the day.
Locations
Pelusios Subniger is mainly found in the eastern part of Madagascar.
Found throughout the forest corridor and coastal zone, especially at low altitudes.
It can be found near lakes, rivers, swamps, and ponds, which are very numerous in this part of the island.
Pelusios castanoides
The Pelusios castanoides is a semi-aquatic turtle found in the northwest of Madagascar.
The Yellow-bellied Pelusoid or Pelusios Castanoides is a semi-aquatic turtle from the Pelomeducidae family that lives in the northwestern part of Madagascar.
It is a species that shares Madagascar with the African continent.
It is also one of the most famous species of semi-aquatic turtles in the world.
In fact, it has a wide distribution in Africa and Madagascar.
The species Pelusios Castanoides has two subspecies, but only the species Pelusios Castanoides exists in Madagascar, as well as on the African continent.
The other subspecies, Pelusios Castanoides Intergularis, is endemic to the Seychelles archipelago.
Identification
The yellow-bellied turtle has a dark brown shell on the top and a slightly yellowish shell on the bottom. Adults do not grow larger than 20 cm.
Locations
The Pelusios Castanoides is a semi-aquatic animal.
It is mainly found near water bodies, especially near rivers and streams abundant in the northwestern part of Madagascar.
The genus Erymnochelys
The Madagascar big-headed turtle or Erymnochelys Madagascariensis
The Madagascar Big-headed Turtle (Erymnochelys madagascariensis) is the only representative of the genus Erymnochelys and is endemic to Madagascar.
It is classified as critically endangered and is among the 25 most endangered species.
However, it is subject to legal and controlled export to Asia. In fact, it is also known in Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties.
The Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF) is currently providing $5.6 million for conservation and education activities to preserve the Erymnochelys Madagascariensis.
Identification
The Madagascar Big-headed Turtle is recognized by its very dark shell.
The Erymnochelys Madagascariensis can measure up to 50 cm. It is also very large, a feature that sets it apart from other species.
The same goes for its head, which is abnormally larger than in other species.
Features
The Erymnochelys Madagascariensis is a freshwater turtle.
It is quite rare to find it on sandy shores, preferring rocks and rugged terrain. 
Erymnochelys Madagascariensis is a herbivore, feeding on plants and fruits, but can also be carnivorous at times and
For example, feeding on insects.
Locations
The Erymnochelys Madagascariensis lives throughout the western part of Madagascar, never far from bodies of water such as rivers or lakes.
Conservation
The Erymnochelys Madagascariensis is protected under Malagasy law. Export is heavily regulated.
RS: Bemaraha
NP: Ankarafantsika, Bucht von Baly, Bemaraha
Sea Turtles from Madagascar
Madagascar, due to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean, is also a passage for several sea turtles and sometimes wandering turtles.
We can name five of them:
The Caretta caretta
Known as the Loggerhead turtle, this sea turtle weighs with weights of up to 200 kg for 112 cm in the largest specimens.
It is worth noting that females are larger than males, as males have a longer tail that extends more than 25 cm beyond the back of the shell.
Their jaws are thick, their reddish-brown color, and their two claws on each flipper allow us to easily distinguish them from other sea turtle species.
In addition, their scales do not overlap, unlike other species such as the loggerhead turtle.
The first rib scale is in contact with the nucleus.
Distribution and Habitat
There are two subspecies:
Caretta caretta gigas found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Caretta caretta found in the Atlantic Ocean.
The loggerhead sea turtles of the species Caretta caretta thrive in temperate waters and migrate according to the season. These turtles live near coasts, reefs, and brackish water lagoons.
Lifestyle of Caretta caretta
Initially, young turtles are omnivores and mainly feed on sponges, jellyfish, crustaceans, fish eggs, and algae from the Sargasso Sea.
Adult sea turtles feed on crabs and shellfish, which they can easily crush with their powerful beaks. They also consume jellyfish, mollusks, squids, fish, and carrion.
The breeding season occurs between May and October, approximately every two to three years.
Each female lays 4 to 6 clutches of about 120 eggs per nest per season, with a two-week interval between each laying.
The diameter of the eggs ranges from 3.5 cm to 5 cm, and the incubation period is about two months.
The gender of the hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature. Higher temperatures result in more female hatchlings.
The young animals are.
The Green Turtle or Chelonya midas
It is called the “green turtle” not because of its color (which is not green), but because of the color of its fat, which is green. It is the second largest species of sea turtle.
The first is the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which can reach up to 1 ton, and the second is the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), which can reach up to 250 kg in adulthood.
Species Description
Turtle shell-It is difficult to determine the color of individuals of this species. describes the color variation of turtles as they age, with differences in hue even after reaching adulthood.
When hatching from the egg, the baby turtle has a black carapace and a white plastron. Between the ages of two and fifteen, the shell color changes to brown on the back and beige on the plastron.
From the age of 15, their color changes again to a much darker shade, ranging from dark brown to a very dark olive green, sometimes even grayish. The head is relatively small and
Has a pair of prefrontal and four postocular scales.
The upper side is arched and oval in shape. It has four rib scales, four (sometimes five) vertebral scales, a pygal scale, and a divided supracaudal scale. The scales are “joined”, meaning glued together, unlike the Loggerhead sea turtle, whose scales overlap like the tiles on a roof.
Males can be distinguished from females by the size of the tail, which is longer and thicker in males due to the presence of the penis inside, and by the presence of a claw on the front flippers of males, allowing them to grip the female’s back during mating.
Female turtles to catch.
The Green Sea Turtle, unlike land turtles, does not have vocal cords.
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata
It is a turtle that you may have heard of before, called the Hawksbill Sea Turtle. It is one of the eight species of sea turtles that exist today, and the only one of the genus Eretmochelys.
Its range is almost global, as it is found in all oceans. It has two subspecies: E.imbricata imbricata and E.imbricata bissa.
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle was originally described in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus as Testudo imbricata.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the systematics were refined, sea turtles were identified as common features.
Recognized and grouped into common taxa.
A new genus Eretmochelys (from the Greek: eretmo, oar and chelys, turtle) was proposed in 1843 by the Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger.
Description of Eretmochelys imbricata
Its shell is very easy to distinguish from other species. It is called hawksbill turtle because its scales overlap in such a way that they resemble the tiles on a house roof.
Only in some old specimens, this feature is no longer valid, as the upper side tends to become smooth over time.
There are four pairs of ribs and five vertebral scutes, which in young specimens may exhibit a slight keel. Another Characteristic of this turtle is that it has posterior serrated edges.
The shell of the Eretmochelys imbricata is orange-brown to black in color, with an irregular combination of light and dark stripes with yellow or red spots.
The plastron is yellow, the post-anal scales are the same color with black spots. The fins are brown on the top and yellow on the bottom.
On the head, it has four prefrontal scales and a particularly long hooked beak.
Eretmochelys imbricata males are characterized by a lighter pigmentation and, like. The Olive Ridley sea turtle, also known as Lepidochelys olivacea, is one of the most widely distributed sea turtle species in the world. It is characterized by a concave plastron, longer claws, and a thicker tail. In terms of size, it can reach lengths between 60 cm and 1.20 m and weigh between 60 kg and 90 kg.
The Leatherback sea turtle, or Dermochelys coriacea, is the largest of all sea turtle species. It is known for its massive size and unique characteristics. Check out this image of a Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) for more information.
The leatherback sea turtle, also known as the leather turtle in French, is a well-known species. We often hear about it because its diet consists of jellyfish, which it mistakes for the plastic bags we discard and end up in the sea or ocean.
Description of the leatherback sea turtle
It is the largest chelonian in the world, as this species can reach a length of 3 meters and weigh up to a ton.
It has the peculiarity of not having a bony shell like other sea turtles. Its shell is made of a thin skin covering a thick layer of fat and numerous tiny osteoderms, giving it a leathery appearance.
Sea Turtle sind weltweit, mit Populationen in den tropischen und gemäßigten Gewässern der Weltmeere. Sie bevorzugen offene Ozeane, sind aber auch in Küstennähe zu finden.
Die Lederschildkröte ernährt sich hauptsächlich von Quallen, obwohl sie auch andere wirbellose Tiere wie Krill und Tintenfische frisst. Sie sind eine gefährdete Art, hauptsächlich aufgrund von menschlichen Aktivitäten wie Beifang, Verschmutzung und Lebensraumverlust.
Sea Turtle
The leatherback turtle prefers to live in the oceans, although some individuals currently live in the Mediterranean, for example. There are three major populations distributed around the globe (Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean) in tropical and subtropical areas. It is the only sea turtle that can venture into the cold waters of the north and south of the Earth. Dives to depths of more than 1300 m have been recorded.
Behavior of Dermochelys coriacea
It is a turtle that migrates according to the populations of jellyfish and other animals that make up the majority of its diet. It despises. Consumption of crustaceans, fish, carrion, and sometimes even algae is not uncommon.
The presence of plastic bags in the seas and oceans leads to an increase in mortality. In fact, turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which hinders their digestive systems.
Little is known about their lifestyle, except that they travel long distances and spend their days in deep water and nights closer to the surface. However, they must surface to breathe approximately every hour.
Females lay their eggs in locations attached to them (always the The average number of eggs laid by sea turtles is 2 to 3, but up to 5 can be laid at intervals of 10 to 15 days. Each clutch consists of 100 to 200 eggs with a diameter of 5 cm and a weight of 40 to 50 grams.
Incubation lasts 60 to 70 days, and the newborns emerge from the nest. They are 7 cm long and their goal is to reach the water.
The journey between the nest and the sea is full of obstacles, as many predators (birds, crabs, dogs, and other mammals as well as large fish) await.
Wildlife poaching remains a problem for all turtle species found in Madagascar.
