Flat-Tailed Tortoise
Flat-tailed tortoise is a species of tortoise endemic to Madagascar. The species is active only during the warm and rainy season reaching its peak during and after rain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Testudines |
| Family | Testudinidae |
| Genus | Pyxis |
| Scientific Name | Pyxis planicauda |
| Other Names | Flat-backed spider tortoise |
| Size | Up to 13.4 cm |
| Weight | Male: 300 – 400 g Female: 475 – 670 g |
| Color | Each scale on the outer shell have a light brown to yellow center encircled by a wide dark brown to black border; yellow rays radiate from the center of the scales across the dark border; yellow lower shell with scattered dark spots or rays along the flanks; yellow to brown limbs; head is dark brown to black with some yellow markings |
| Distribution | West coast of Madagascar |
| Habitat | Lowland fragments of dry, deciduous forest on the west coast of Madagascar |
| Diet | Fallen fruits from trees, shoots and leaves of bushes |
| Hibernation Fact | Undergoes aestivation during the cooler dry season |
| Breeding Season | Hot/rainy season |
| Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
| Clutch Size | 1 egg |
| Incubation Period | 8 to 11 months |
| Reproductive Age | 10 years of age in case of females |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Critically Endangered |
Flat-Tailed Tortoise Pictures Gallery
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- Flat-backed Spider Tortoise
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- Flat-Tailed Tortoise
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- Pyxis Planicauda
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- Flat-Tailed Tortoise Images
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- Images of Flat Tailed Tortoise
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- Flat Tailed Tortoise Care
