ID based on somewhat lacking description?

[turtlemanfla88]

I might be wrong ,but radiated tortoises are apendix 1 that mean you can buy them in the state you live in ,but if you cross state lines you will break the Lacey act. You do not want to do this people go to prison for breaking this law.

 

[Yvonne G]

I've noticed that tortoises in zoos have very dilute patterns on their carapace. The leopards have hardly any coloration at all. I THINK this is because the zoos' animals are so old.

 

[Abdulla6169]

thats a pic of the same tort next to a couple sulcatas. View attachment 94755

Can you suggest they house them separately? Mixing species is never good...

 

[smarch]

They are listed on the endangered species act as critically endangered. But they are quite common here in the United States. Legal to keep yes. If purchasing outside of state you reside in you must obtain a permit.

In regards to their pattern. They all vary quite a bit from very dark to very vibrant.

Here's mine. His name is astro
View attachment 94766

Well now that I know I can keep one in the future its definitely on my list! Although I have to admit, nothing against your lil guy, I like the less vibrant pattern, its like a nice small hint of it without being like "bam! here I am!" are they personable? Also i'm assuming they're not so cheap, would you know the aprox. price range?

 

[smarch]

I've noticed that tortoises in zoos have very dilute patterns on their carapace. The leopards have hardly any coloration at all. I THINK this is because the zoos' animals are so old.

That's better than my theory of people want the bright ones as pets so the zoos get what they get... pretty sure the zoos have all the opportunities to get the brightest ones they want especially since they're to be looked at by so many. Age would make much more sense haha

 

[tortadise]

Well now that I know I can keep one in the future its definitely on my list! Although I have to admit, nothing against your lil guy, I like the less vibrant pattern, its like a nice small hint of it without being like "bam! here I am!" are they personable? Also i'm assuming they're not so cheap, would you know the aprox. price range?

Doesn't bother me. He was donated to us 11 years ago, I actually like his dull limitless pattern. So much "Barbie doll housewives" tortoises are bred into the market now. I prefer the species in any color, shape, or dullness. I like the natural look. Yes it is natural to have so,e fancy colored ones. But that to be honest is selective breeding. Yvonne brings up a very good point too. Which is another reason why I choose not to pay premiums if purchasing a tortoise for fancy looks. Because in time they will dull and all carry the similar image. It's typical materialistic American desire. A wantfor temporary beauty for flashiness. Anyways enough of my off topic rant. Hah.

The Lacey act is only for commercial purposes. You can purchase a ESA(endangered species act listed animal) within the state you reside legally. You can also take that animal across any state line legally. What is in breach of the Lacey act. Is purchasing the animal out of your residing state and then moving across states without permit. If that makes sense.

 

[jeffjeff]

Can you suggest they house them separately? Mixing species is never good...

i did. i also mentioned they should have access to out side. he just nodded put his head down and walked off.

 

[smarch]

Doesn't bother me. He was donated to us 11 years ago, I actually like his dull limitless pattern. So much "Barbie doll housewives" tortoises are bred into the market now. I prefer the species in any color, shape, or dullness. I like the natural look. Yes it is natural to have so,e fancy colored ones. But that to be honest is selective breeding. Yvonne brings up a very good point too. Which is another reason why I choose not to pay premiums if purchasing a tortoise for fancy looks. Because in time they will dull and all carry the similar image. It's typical materialistic American desire. A wantfor temporary beauty for flashiness. Anyways enough of my off topic rant. Hah.

The Lacey act is only for commercial purposes. You can purchase a ESA(endangered species act listed animal) within the state you reside legally. You can also take that animal across any state line legally. What is in breach of the Lacey act. Is purchasing the animal out of your residing state and then moving across states without permit. If that makes sense.

I don't give a care in the world what they look like, all my pets become beautiful to me. I've seen pictures on a facebook rescue page I follow with a VERY deformed Sulcata that they don't even explain the past of its so bad, I mean it literally looks like she was like hit by a lawnmower or something! But if I could tend to special needs who the heck cares what they look like, so patterns mean nothing to me really, its their little faces I love most anyways!

I dd however just look into the price and my stomach dropped (mind you my stomach hit a really bad reflux point right before so it was just generally unpleasant!) But I'm thinking maybe I wont end up owning one since I don't have interest in breeding and just wanted one, and seems like too much to invest just "because I like them". aww nuts!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Radiated tortoises! They are one of the most endangered tortoises on earth... I would LOVE to see one
Oops. I seem to be a little late...

 

[turtlemanfla88]

Thanks Kelly I apologize I was wrong about the Lacey act. Thank you for clearing that up.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

They are listed on the endangered species act as critically endangered. But they are quite common here in the United States. Legal to keep yes. If purchasing outside of state you reside in you must obtain a permit.

In regards to their pattern. They all vary quite a bit from very dark to very vibrant.

Here's mine. His name is astro
View attachment 94766

OMG! Those legs just kill me!....

 

[smarch]

I suppose I should thank everybody for helping me ID these guys! I'm thinking you understood how much it was bugging me not knowing! So thanks so much!