The Edge · CR Critically Endangered
Ploughshare Tortoise
Astrochelys yniphora
The world's rarest tortoise — a golden-domed giant so prized by collectors that keepers deface its shell to deter thieves.
CR · Critically Endangered
Overview
The world's rarest tortoise — a golden-domed giant so prized by collectors that keepers deface its shell to deter thieves.
reptilemadagascartortoise
Field data
| IUCN status | CR · Critically Endangered |
|---|---|
| Population | a few hundred |
| Trend | decreasing |
| Last assessed | 2008 |
| Class / Order | Reptilia · Testudines |
| Family | Testudinidae |
| Range | Madagascar |
Why it matters
Evolutionary distinction
- Males have a forward-pointing shell spur used to flip rivals.
- Perhaps only a few hundred remain in one Madagascan bay.
From the collection
Take one home
art print
Ploughshare Tortoise art print
Museum-grade art print from the Ploughshare Tortoise plate.
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notebook
Ploughshare Tortoise notebook
Museum-grade notebook from the Ploughshare Tortoise plate.
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Fulfilled on demand. Connect your Fourthwall / print-on-demand store to make these live.
Sources