Geochelone platynota-Burmese star tortoise        Origin: Asia

    A rather striking species found in isolated Myanmar (southwest of mainland China).  There is still some debate as to whether they are actually found in China as well along the border.  Though very few of these animals can be found in the United States, they have proven to be relatively hardy and a fair amount of captive reproduction has occurred.  This species can still be found occasionally in the food markets of southern China.  

    Above pictures were taken recently at the Beijing Zoo.  

    More recent pictures can be found at the World Chelonian Trust website.  Upcoming article soon on work on this species in Thailand at the WCT site.

Links to further information on G. platynota:

Dr. Peter Liu's Web site which is almost all inclusive on Burmese stars:   http://www.startortoise.com/

Recent information and much better pictures at the most complete site on the web: World Chelonian Trust- www.chelonia.org