Brandywine Park in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Radiated Tortoise
Astrochelys radiata
Radiated tortoises are one of more than 150,000 species found only in Madagascar. Like all tortoises, they serve as very important habitat role as "lawnmowers" and seed spreaders.
Over 50% of radiated tortoises have disappeared since 1865. All four species of Madagascar's tortoises are critically endangered. The burning of their forest homes to make charcoal and poaching for food and the pet trade are ongoing threats.
The Radiated Tortoise SAFE Program coordinates conservation efforts between zoos and Madagascar conservation partners like Turtle Survival Alliance.
🍴 Grasses, fruit, and plants.
🏠 Dry forests and scrubland in south and southwestern Madagascar.
⏲️ Can live up to 50 years.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
The Radiated Tortoise is threatened by loss of habitat and poaching.
Erected by Brandywine Zoo; Delaware State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Delaware State Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Black and White Ruffed Lemur (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Black and White Ruffed Lemur (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Radiated Tortoise (a few steps from this marker); Burrowing Owl (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Black and White Ruffed Lemur (a few steps from this marker); Angora (within shouting distance of this marker); Domestication Origins (within shouting distance of this marker); Ameraucana (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Regarding Radiated Tortoise. An identical marker can be found elsewhere in the zoo.
Additional keywords. SAFE, Saving Animals From Extinction
Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 28, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 28, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
