There are 12 turtle species endemic to Madagascar and these include 5 marine turtles, 3 freshwater turtles, and 4 tortoises.
The marine turtles in Madagascar include loggerhead, leatherback, green turtle, olive ridley, and hawksbill. All of these turtles nest in Madagascar.
The freshwater turtles endemic to Madagascar are the yellow-bellied mud turtle, the black-bellied hinged terrapin, and the Madagascar big-headed turtle. Out of these three turtles, the big-headed turtle is generally collected for food.
The tortoises endemic to Madagascar can only be found on the island. All the Madagascan tortoises are critically endangered and are facing extinction. The main threat to the wild populations is the collection of tortoises for food and international trade.
The tortoises endemic to Madagascar are the flat-tailed tortoise, the angonoka, the radiated tortoise, and the spider tortoise.
Table of Contents
Freshwater Turtles in Madagascar
There are three freshwater turtles endemic to Madagascar and these include the black-bellied hinged terrapin, the yellow-bellied mud turtle, and the Madagascar big-headed turtle.
1. Black-bellied Hinged Terrapin
- Family: Pelomedusidae
- Scientific Name: Pelusios subniger
- Other Names: East African Black Mud Turtle
- Adult Size: 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The black-bellied hinged terrapin is endemic to Madagascar, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Zambia, Central African Republic, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In Madagascar, it is commonly found in Toamasina (Tamatave).
The subspecies found within Madagascar is the Pelusios subniger subniger (the nominate subspecies). The black-bellied hinged terrapin is known by several names including East African black mud turtle and Pan terrapin.
The black-bellied hinged terrapin is a domed semiaquatic terrapin with a smooth carapace. The terrapin is moderately large for a freshwater terrapin with an adult length of 5 to 8 inches.
The smooth carapace is black in coloration, usually black or dark brown. Overall, the terrapin is dully colored.
As you have guessed from the name, the black-bellied hinged terrapin is hinged. To be specific, the plastron of this terrapin is hinged. The plastron is yellow, gray, brown, or black.
The black-bellied hinged terrapin is a side-necked turtle and as such retracts the head sideways into the shell instead of vertically. The black-bellied hinged terrapin is omnivorous and feeds on plants, invertebrates, and fish. The species nest in spring.
The eggs take about 2 months to incubate. Since the turtle is more active during the night, it is considered nocturnal.
The black-bellied hinged terrapin is quite popular in the pet trade and has even been bred in captivity. They are quite easy to care for and are hearty eaters.
They are generally easy to take care of as they are hardy. The black-bellied hinged terrapin is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
2. Yellowbelly Mud Turtle
- Family: Pelomedusidae
- Scientific Name: Pelusios castanoides
- Adult Size: 5 to 8 inches (12 to 21 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Lower Risk/Least Concern
P. castanoides is endemic to Tanzania, South Africa, Seychelles, Mozambique, Malawi, and Madagascar. The subspecies endemic to Madagascar is Pelusios castanoides castanoides. There is another subspecies known as Pelusios castanoides intergularis and is endemic to just Seychelles.
The name of the species offers clues to how to tell them apart from other African mud turtles. The plastron (belly) of the species is uniformly yellow. The skin and limbs of P. c. castanoides are also yellowish in coloration. This and the black-bellied hinged terrapin are the two mud turtles endemic to Madagascar.
The species is moderately large for a mud turtle and reaches a length of 12 to 21 cm (5 to 8 inches). It is similar in size to the black-bellied hinged terrapin. P. c. castanoides is a side-necked turtle and as such retracts the head sideways into the shell instead of vertically.
The species is listed as Lower Risk/least concern on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix II of the CITES. As such, the international trade of the species is monitored.
3. Madagascar Big-headed Turtle
- Family: Podocnemididae
- Scientific Name: Erymnochelys madagascariensis
- Local/Malagasy Name: Re-re, Bihara
- Other Names: Podocnémide de Madagascar, Madagascar Sideneck Turtle, and Madagascar Big-headed Turtle
- Length: 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Erymnochelys madagascariensis can be found in the western part of Madagascar in lakes, watersheds, and rivers. The species is endemic to the western lowland river basins from the Mangoky river to the Sambirano region. The species can be found up to 500 m.
Unfortunately, the species is critically endangered and faces extinction. While there is little information on the population of the species the last estimate was in 2001 and shows that 10,000 individuals make up 20 subpopulations in Madagascar.
The species can be found in slow-moving water bodies such as swamps, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. The species prefer permanent water bodies with basking sites such as logs and rocks,
E. madagascariensis is quite large for a freshwater turtle. The females of the species reach a carapace length of at least 32 cm. The males can reach a carapace length of 50 cm or more.
Gravid females lay up to three clutches a year and with a high total of 60 eggs with a range of 6 to 29 eggs per clutch and an average of 12 eggs per clutch. Nesting occurs from September to January although it peaks in October and December.
The species face several threats with the name threat being the collection of the turtle for food and bycatch in fisheries. The degradation of the habitats is also a threat to the wild population, in particular the conversion of lakes to rice fields.
The species is considered to be Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List and is also listed in Appendix II of CITES.
Tortoises in Madagascar
4. Spider Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Scientific Name: Pyxis arachnoides
- Local/Malagasy Name: Zakapy, Tsakafy, Kapika
- Other Names: Tortue-araignée Tortuga De Plastrón Articulado, Castilian Tortuga Araña
- Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
- Lifespan: 70 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Pyxis arachnoides can be found in the southwest of Madagascar. This turtle lives in the arid regions of the coastal areas and shares most of its geographic range with the radiated tortoise.
There are three subspecies of the spider tortoise and each of the subspecies is defined by its geographic range. The three subspecies are P. a. oblonga, P. a. brygooi, and P. a. arachnoides.
P. a. arachnoides can be found in the region of the Onilahy River near Toliara. P. a. brygooi can be found just south of the Mangoky River, between Lake Ihotry and Morombe. P. a. oblonga can be found between lake Anony and Menarandra River on the south coast of Madagascar.
The habitats which the spider tortoise calls home receive low rainfall. The habitats are arid deserts with spiny vegetation. Unlike the radiated tortoise, the spider tortoise isn’t found in rocky areas. These tortoises have only been seen eating during the rainy seasons. They generally feed on vegetation, insects, and droppings.
Pyxis arachnoides is quite small for a tortoise and reaches a carapace length of 8 inches (20 cm). On average the tortoise has a length of 6 inches (15 cm).
Threats to Pyxis arachnoides include the collection of the tortoise for food and the harvesting of the livers for the Asian market. Other threats include habitat fragmentation and destruction.
The tortoise is considered Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix I of the CITES. This prohibits the international trade of the species and its body parts. The trade and collection of the turtle are also prohibited in Madagascar.
5. Radiated Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Scientific Name: Astrochelys radiata
- Local/Malagasy Name: Sokake
- Other Names: Tortuga Estrellada De Madagascar, Tortuga Rayada, Tortue Radiée De Madagascar, Tortue Rayonnée
- Length: 16 inches (40 cm)
- Lifespan: 60-80 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The radiated turtle has yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute on its carapace.
The radiated tortoise is another critically endangered tortoise. The extremely diminished population means that locals collect the spider tortoise instead which is unfortunate as that species is also endangered. The radiated tortoise also shares the same geographic range as the spider tortoise.
The radiated tortoise can be found from Amboasary to Morombe. Astrochelys radiata is usually found close to the coast about 50 to 100 km from the coast. The species prefer areas with low rainfall and spiny vegetation composed mainly of Ephorbia and Didiereaceae.
The tortoise is known to feed on grasses, Opuntia, and animal droppings. It drinks water collected after rains.
The males of the species reach lengths of 29 to 40 cm, while females reach lengths of 25 to 36 cm. As you can see males are generally larger than females are.
Although the lifespan of Astrochelys radiata is unknown, they are believed to live to up to 100 years.
The main threat that Astrochelys radiata faces is the collection for international trade and consumption by locals. In 2003, it was estimated that as many as 45,000 adults are collected each year. As of 2005, it is believed that about 22,000 to as high as 241,000 tortoises are collected annually.
Other threats to the species include habitat degradation and deforestation.
6. Angonoka Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Scientific Name: Astrochelys yniphora
- Local/Malagasy Name: angonoka, Ploughshare Tortoise
- Other Names: Madagascar Tortoise, Madagascar Angulated Tortoise, Ploughshare Tortoise, Tortuga Globulosa Malagache, Tortue à plastron éperonné, Tortue à soc de Madagascar
- Length: 12 to 19 inches
- Lifespan: 50-100 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The Angonaka tortoise is commonly referred to as the Ploughshare tortoise, the plowshare tortoise, or the Madagascar tortoise. This turtle has a highly attractive carapace which has made it a highly desirable tortoise on the pet trade although the trade of the turtle is prohibited as it is critically endangered.
The distribution of Astrochelys yniphora is very limited and can be found around Baly Bay in the northwest.
The turtle inhabited mangrove swamps, savanna, and dry deciduous forests. They are almost exclusively found in a bamboo-scrub habitat where the dominant plants are Perrierbambos madagascariensis (a bamboo) and Bauhinia.
The species are moderately large turtles. Males have an average length of 41 cm (16 inches) and an average mass of 10 kg (22 lbs), while females have an average length of 37 cm (14 inches) and an average mass of 9 kg (20 lbs). Males are generally slightly larger than females are.
The species feed on shrubs, forbs, and herbs instead of grasses from October to May.
Historically, the species have faced threats such as exploitation and human-caused bush fires to create better grazing suites for the Zebu cattle. In recent times, the main threat that the species face is the collection for the internal pet trade.
The species is included in Appendix I of the CITES and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
7. Flat-tailed Tortoise
- Family: Testudinidae
- Scientific Name: Pyxis planicauda
- Local/Malagasy Name: Kapidolo
- Other Names: Tortue de Cola Plana, Pyxide à queue platte, Pyxide à dos plat, Flat-backed Spider Tortoise, Madagascar Flat-shelled Tortoise
- Length:
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The species can be found in the Menabe region between the Tsiribihina river and the Morondava river. The species prefer dry deciduous forests with loose sandy soils. Like other tortoises native to Madagascar, the Flat-tailed Tortoise is inactive during the dry season but is active during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the species feed and drink water.
The species is known to eat flowers, fungi, and fruits.
The turtle reaches a length of 14 cm to 15 cm.
The main threat that the species faces is habitat degradation caused by the conversion of the habitat to agricultural lands and lands for grazing, mining, highway development, and petroleum exploration.
Sea Turtles in Madagascar
Sea turtles in Madagascar can be found mainly along the western coast on several islands and beaches in places such as Nosey Tanikely, Ifaty, Nosey Be (in particular the Ankazoberavina beach), Nosey Iranja, Nosy Abohazo, Nosy Andeano, Nosy Dondosy, Nosy Komba, Mboro, and Toliara. In communities such as Anakao, Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Befasy, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka in the southwest, fishermen regularly hunt and collect sea turtles.
Sea turtles in Madagascar face several threats. The most significant of these threats is the collection of turtle eggs for human consumption as well as the hunting of marine turtles for their meat.
Over the centuries these turtles have been hunted for their eggs, meat, and oil. However, in the past, the consumption of turtle meat and eggs was done sustainably, however, this has changed in recent times.
According to Vezo fishermen, marine turtle meat was only consumed by the elderly and older men. According to the traditions of the Vezo people, the consumption of turtle meat was needed to transition from being a youthful man to an elder or leader.
There were also traditions surrounding the consumption of turtle meat. These traditions helped to limit the amount of turtle meat consumed by the people.
However, in recent times, the hunting of sea turtles and the wholesale trade of turtle meat is widespread in all facets of society consuming the meat, although consumption was sustainable in the past, it is no longer so. It is estimated that about 10,000 to 16,000 marine turtles are harvested each year.
You can expect to find sea turtles nesting along the southwest coast. In places such as Anakao, Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Befasy, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka, fishermen regularly hunt and collect sea turtles.
8. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata
- Local/Malagasy Name: Hara
- Length: 25 to 45 in (63 to 114 cm)
- Mass: 79 to 280 lb (36 to 127 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
Hawksbills nest between October and April, hawksbills are known to nest on the shores of several islands of Madagascar. These include islands such as Nosy Be and Nosy Komba.
The hawksbill is known to nest on the southwestern shores of Madagascar and can be found in places such as Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Befasy, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka.
The hawksbill can be found across the world’s oceans in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. As a migratory species, the hawksbill doesn’t stay in one place throughout its life. The turtle nests in about 70 countries. One of these is Madagascar.
The hawksbill can be found at depths of 0 to 65 feet or 20 m. the hawksbill is a moderately large sea turtle. Overall, this species is a large reptile with an average mass of 176 lb or 80 kg and an average length of 34 inches or 87 cm. Hatchlings measure about 4.2 mm and have an average mass of about 13.5 to 19.5 grams.
The turtle is called a hawksbill because the shape of the head narrows into a V-shape and gives the turtle the look of a ‘hawk’.
The main threats the species face in Madagascar are the hunting of the turtle for meat and the collection of the turtle’s eggs.
The turtle is protected by national laws in Madagascar (Presidential Decree 2006–400), however, these laws are not enforced. The turtle also bears an IUCN Red List status of Critically Endangered. The species is included in Appendix I of the CITES.
9. Green Sea Turtle
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
- Local/Malagasy Name: Zaty
- Length: 39 to 47 inches (100 to 119 cm)
- Mass: 330 to 441 lb (150 to 200 kg)
- Lifespan: 75 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Green turtles can be found nesting along the western coast of Madagascar in places such as Andavadoaka and Lamboara. And along the southwest coast, the green turtle can be found in Anakao, Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Befasy, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka.
The green turtle can be found across the world’s ocean in tropical and subtropical waters. The species can be found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. These turtles nest in over 80 countries including Madagascar. Nesting generally occurs from June to August.
The green turtle prefers shallow tropical and subtropical waters generally in coastal areas.
The species is called the green turtle because of the green body fat it has. This turtle is also called the black turtle as it is dark in coloration, especially as hatchlings and juveniles.
The green turtle is quite huge with a mass that ranges from 330 to 441 lb (330.40 to 440.53 lb) and a length that ranges from 39 to 47 inches (100 to 200 cm). Hatchlings have an average mass of 25 grams and an average length of 5 cm.
The green turtle faces a lot of threats such as incidental capture in fishing nets and gears, environmental degradation, in particular, habitat degradation, pollution, and several others, however, the biggest threat to the turtle in Madagascar is the slaughter of the species for meat.
While the turtle is protected by national laws, these laws are not enforced. The international trade of the turtle and products made with the turtle are prohibited as the turtle is listed in appendix I of CITES. The species is also listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
10. Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys oliveacea
- Local/Malagasy Name: Tsipioke
- Length: 30 in (75 cm)
- Weight: 100 lbs (45 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The olive ridley is another turtle that nests in Madagascar. As with the other turtles, nesting generally occurs on the western shore and several islands found along the coast in places such as Nosey Be. Along the southwest coast of Madagascar, the olive ridley can be found in Anakao, Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Befasy, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka.
The olive ridley is endemic to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. The turtle also nests throughout tropical waters. It is known to nest in almost 60 countries including Madagascar.
The species move between oceanic waters and shallow coastal waters or may choose to occupy neritic (shallow coastal) waters. They are usually within 15 km of shore.
The olive ridley is a large turtle that reaches a mass of 100 lbs or 45 kg and a length of 30 inches or 75 cm. The skin of this turtle is olive-gray and the carapace is also olive in coloration.
The olive ridley is primarily carnivorous and feeds on protochordate such as crabs, shrimps, snails, and jellyfish.
The species is considered Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The olive ridley is an Appendix I species under CITES. The main threat to this turtle in Madagascar is the collection and harvesting of the species for its meat, shell, and eggs. Other threats that the turtle faces include habitat destruction and degradation, pollution and pathogens, bycatch in fisheries, and predation.
11. Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Family: Dermochelyidae
- Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
- Local/Malagasy Name: Valo zoro
- Adult Length: 57 to 63 inches (145 to 160 cm)
- Adult Mass: 551 to 1982 lbs (250 to 900 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The leatherback is another turtle endemic to the coast of Madagascar. This turtle can be commonly found in the southwest of Madagascar in places such as Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Mararmena, and Beheloka.
The leatherback is the only sea turtle known to inhabit even the sub-arctic waters where water temperatures are freezing cold. This turtle can however be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans as well. These turtles nest on tropical sandy beaches which includes Madagascar’s western coast.
The leatherback is the only sea turtle that lacks a hard shell. Instead, this turtle has a leathery carapace which gives the turtle its common name. This turtle is also massive and considered the largest turtle and reptile in the world. The leatherback can reach a mass of over 2000 lbs. The mass of an adult leatherback is 551 to 1982 lbs or 250 to 900 kg. The length of the adult leatherback ranges from 57 to 63 inches or 145 to 160 cm.
Hatchlings weigh about 40 grams.
The species is considered vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is an Appendix I species on the CITES. This prohibits the international trade of the turtle as well as the international trade of any body parts of the turtle.
In Madagascar, the main threat the turtle faces is the capture of the leatherback for its meat although the meat is not considered as palatable as that of greens, olive ridleys, hawksbill, and loggerheads.
12. Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Family: Cheloniidae
- Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
- Local/Malagasy Name: Apombo
- Length: 31 to 84 inches (85 to 213 cm)
- Mass: 170 to 1200 lbs (77 to 545 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Loggerhead nests in Madagascar and does so on the western coast, in particular the southwest in places such as Anakao, a village on the southwest coast. Other villages where this turtle can be found along the southwest coast include Ambola, Ampasimahanvo, Besambay, Mararmena, Andriangy, and Beheloka.
The loggerhead can be found in the tropical and temperate waters of the world – in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. The species forage and live in both tropical and temperate waters but migrate to the tropics and the subtropics to breed and nest.
The loggerhead is named after its large head and strong jaws. It has a reddish carapace and a yellowish plastron. It is also a large reptile and is considered the largest living hard-shelled marine turtle and the second largest living turtle overall after the leatherback.
The large loggerhead has an average mass of 297 lbs (135 kg) although adult mass generally ranges from 170 to 1200 lbs (77 to 545 kg). The loggerhead also has an average length of 36 inches (92 cm), although adult length generally ranges from 31 to 84 inches (0 to 213 cm).
In Madagascar, the main threat to Caretta caretta is the consumption of meat and eggs. While there is legislation against the utilization of the loggerhead, this legislation isn’t enforced because of several reasons with the main reason being the importance of the turtle as a resource to Malagasy fishermen. Other reasons include the lack of implementation capacity and the large extent of the Malagasy coastline and waters.
C. caretta is defined as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is included in Appendix I of the CITES. As an Appendix I species under CITES, the international trade of the loggerhead and products made from it is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can turtles in Madagascar be kept as pets?
Many of the tortoises and freshwater turtles found in Madagascar are kept as pets. However, because of the endangered nature of most of them, it is not advisable to keep wild-caught Madagascan turtles as pets, especially the tortoises.
Turtles in Madagascar commonly kept as pets include Pelusios subniger subniger (East African black mud turtle and Pan terrapin), radiated tortoise, spider tortoise, the flat-tailed tortoise.
Are Madagascan turtles endangered?
The turtles found in Madagascar aren’t dangerous to humans. Instead, humans are dangerous to the turtles. Most of the turtles in Madagascar are critically endangered. A few are endangered and vulnerable. The main human activity that endangers these turtles in this part of the world is the collection of the turtles for food. These include sea turtles, the freshwater turtles such as the big-headed turtle, and tortoises.
Where can you find or locate turtles in Madagascar?
The sea turtles can be found mainly on the western shore of the island in places such as Nosey Tanikely, Ifaty, Nosey Be (in particular the Ankazoberavina beach), Nosey Iranja, Nosy Abohazo, Nosy Andeano, Nosy Dondosy, Nosy Komba, Mboro, and Toliara.
Tortoises such as the spider tortoise and radiated tortoise can be found in the southwest arid regions.
Conclusion
Twelve turtles can be found in Madagascar and these include marine turtles, freshwater turtles, and tortoises. The tortoises endemic to Madagascar are all critically endangered and can only be found in Madagascar.
The tortoises in Madagascar are the flat-tailed tortoise, the angonoka, the radiated tortoise, and the spider tortoise.
There are three freshwater turtles in Madagascar and these are the yellow-bellied mud turtle, the black-bellied hinged terrapin, and the Madagascar big-headed turtle. These turtles can be found throughout southern and southeastern Africa.
There are five marine turtles endemic to Madagascar and these are the loggerhead, leatherback, green turtle, olive ridley, and hawksbill. All of these turtles nest on the western coast of Madagascar and are often collected for food.
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