beautiful Archives

justanimaladay:

Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

The Radiated Tortoise is endemic to Madagascar, preferring to live in the dry brush and thorn forests in the southern portion of the island. They graze on grasses, which make up most of their diet, but will also feed on cacti and fruits if they find them. They are very long lived, with estimated lifespans of up to 100 years. The oldest verified Radiated Tortoise belonged to the royal family of Tonga and lived to be 188 years old.

These tortoises are classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, as they have disappeared from 40% of their native range, and are experiencing ongoing population decline. In fact, it is estimated that they will be extinct within the next 50 years if current trends continue. Threats to the population are mainly habitat loss due to human expansion, and exploitation for the pet trade and for food by local people.

justanimaladay:

Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

The Radiated Tortoise is endemic to Madagascar, preferring to live in the dry brush and thorn forests in the southern portion of the island. They graze on grasses, which make up most of their diet, but will also feed on cacti and fruits if they find them. They are very long lived, with estimated lifespans of up to 100 years. The oldest verified Radiated Tortoise belonged to the royal family of Tonga and lived to be 188 years old.

These tortoises are classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, as they have disappeared from 40% of their native range, and are experiencing ongoing population decline. In fact, it is estimated that they will be extinct within the next 50 years if current trends continue. Threats to the population are mainly habitat loss due to human expansion, and exploitation for the pet trade and for food by local people.

justanimaladay:

Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

The Radiated Tortoise is endemic to Madagascar, preferring to live in the dry brush and thorn forests in the southern portion of the island. They graze on grasses, which make up most of their diet, but will also feed on cacti and fruits if they find them. They are very long lived, with estimated lifespans of up to 100 years. The oldest verified Radiated Tortoise belonged to the royal family of Tonga and lived to be 188 years old.

These tortoises are classed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, as they have disappeared from 40% of their native range, and are experiencing ongoing population decline. In fact, it is estimated that they will be extinct within the next 50 years if current trends continue. Threats to the population are mainly habitat loss due to human expansion, and exploitation for the pet trade and for food by local people.

thewhimsyturtle:

Lunchbox & Kirby Mug, Part 1
(Part 2 here)

Today would have been Lunchbox‘s 11th birthday. Some mornings, Mommy still reflexively looks to where his tank used to be. We miss his happy face, but our wonderful friends have made sure we have many things to remember him by. Waffles and Mango‘s mom sent us a beautiful painting of Lunchbox, and we have this fabulous mug from friend qvoro.

Friend qvoro drew both Lunchbox and me on this mug back in December. Silly Mommy never got a chance to photograph Lunchbox next to his side of the mug. It is the bestest mug ever!

A toast to Lunchbox!

While we’re a little late and a little slow as always (humans fault) Zoya and I are spending the day toasting to Lunchbox! and awesome big turtle to the ever amazing Kirby and a shell we hold forever close to hearts. Happy Birthday Lunchbox! I know you’re giving someone a side eye wherever you are and we’re very thankful we got to know you even a little bit.