The Pyxis Tortoises

Reptile Blog #1 (Pyxis Tortoises) 

1. The Pyxis Tortoises by Darrell Senneke

2. March 2006 Issue of Reptiles Magazine

3. I chose this article because I wanted to learn more about Tortoises and different species. (Pictures to the left) 

4. I liked the detail of this article about Pyxis Tortoises. They are "small & beautiful madagascan tortoises". I liked that the author included that they are very attractive with yellow and light brown areola encircled by black bands. The author also included beautiful pictures of these tortoises in his article which matched his description perfectly. 

5. Pyxis Tortoises are only found on the island of Madagascar. They measure up to 6 or 7 inches in total length and have 2 main species. Pyxis are found in environments with a very wide climate range. They experience temps between 45-100 degrees. Pyxis Tortoises diet consists of food high in fiber and calcium. They eat things such as leafy greens and fresh vegetation.

6. Questions I have - What's the tempermant of these tortoises? Are they more aggressive and territorial or friendly and laid back?

7a. No, I wouldn't keep this tortoise as a pet because I don't think I could give it the cage environment it needs or the attention.
b. Current marked prices for this type of tortoise is $450.
c. These tortoises are sold on Tortoise Forum. The prices they are asking are 2 for $900, 3 for $1300 & 4 for $1700. Because these are considered "rare hatchlings" this was the only vendor I could find. Here is the link - http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-25433.html 
d. No morphs
e. -
f. -
g. Yes, they are extremely endangered due to slash and burn agriculture in native habitats back in Madagascar where they are found.
h. Yes, you do need a permit because they are a critically endangered species.
i. No, no current controversy.

8. These tortoises love to eat a variety of leafy greens, fruits and vegetables and mushrooms especially. They can endure all sort of temperatures from 45-100 degrees, but prefer to be kept warm. Unlike most turtles, they don't require much room and don't mind small spaces to curl up in.

9. I would consider this animal an intermediate animal because it only needs a small space and has a simple diet, but it is endangered so you would have to be really cautious and take care of it nicely.

10. I think the most interesting this is its spider like pattern on it's back. No other tortoise has anything similar to it with the bands. They are also only found in Madagascar which is pretty cool.