My Cousin: The Indian Star Tortoise

Indian Star tortoises are one of the world’s most attractive tortoise species, found in semi-arid, thorny and grassland habitats and native to India, Sri Lanka and southeastern Pakistan. These highly-decorated graphic terrapins are known for having quite a personality. Females grow larger than males and she typically grows to 7 or 8 inches, while males typically only reach 5 or 6 inches in length. Under the right conditions, captive star tortoises can live from 30 to 80 years. Native to grassland habitats, it grazes extensively upon mixed grasses and is a diehard herbivore. They are not a territorial species. Multiple males and females may be kept together without fighting and aggressive biting.

The Star Tortoise is a common sight in pet stores and markets throughout Asia, but many die an early death because owners fail to provide an adequate diet and living conditions. Star tortoises will graze happily on lawn grass which seems to prevent most health problems at the source. An adequate supply of calcium and vitamin D3 are essential as is exposure to sunlight and water.