I found two interesting photos in my archive. I am trying to remember the source, but I cannot. As you will see, on both pictures we are having Sri Lankan Star Tortoises. Of course, it is Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), but Sir Lankan geographical variation.
About this geographical variation I hear so many different things. The people speaking about its difference of normal animals originate from India, as more splendid color, bigger size, more rays in each star, etc...
My oppinion is different: yes, of course, animals originate from Sri Lanka (unfortunately, it is very difficult to find any of them on market) are bigger, but - I am thinking, the main difference between Sri Lancan geographical variation, and 2 (3) Indian geographical variation is on form (shape) of carapax. The carapax of Sri Lankan Stars is more convex than in other Indian geogr. variations. From this reason, looking on one Sri Lankan Star Tortoise, on first appearance, you should think they are having pyramided carapax, but it is not truth. In all specimens of Sri Lankan Stars, I always found carapax like this, more convex in older animals, of course!
Let me know about your opinion,please!
Yours faithfully, Marco
Immagine:
86,38 KB
Immagine:
108,65 KB