Ploughshare tortoise

With fewer than 100 individuals alive, the species could go extinct in a matter of just a few years

NTF30

Native to Madagascar, Ploughshare tortoises spend most of their time on land and eat a variety of vegetation, with grasses making up the majority of their diet. It is also referred to as the Angonoka tortoise and is one of the most uncommon reptiles on the planet, which increases its value to collectors and the pet trade.

Also, despite their rarity, these turtles are highly affected by local fires employed to clear land for cattle grazing, which has destroyed the tortoises’ habitat over the years. The tortoise is also affected by the introduced bushpig, which not preys on tortoises but also their eggs and young.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Madagascar
<400
CR
2008

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No