The Madagascar Spider Tortoise is a small tortoise endemic to the south west forests of Madagascar. Sadly, populations have been in decline due to habitat loss, collection for the international pet trade and logging of their natural habitat.
IUCN Listing: Critically Endangered
A very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Southern Coasts of Madagascar
Natural Habitat
Forest & Shrubland
Diet
Grasses, Leaves, Fruit & Insect Larvae
Life Expectancy
In the wild: Unknown.
In zoos: Up to 70 years
Breeding
Incubation period:
200 – 250 days. 1 egg up to 3 times a year.
Group Name
Creep
Active Hours
Crepuscular (Most active at dawn and dusk)
Threats
Hunting and trapping, harvesting of forests for wood and non-timber crops
Fun Fact
Radiated tortoises live alongside the Madagascan Spider tortoise, often sharing the much larger radiated tortoise’s burrow!