Burmese Star Tortoise
CR

Burmese Star Tortoise

Geochelone platynota

Increasing

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Burmese star tortoise faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the international pet trade and traditional medicine markets. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further fragmented remaining populations. Illegal harvesting continues despite protective legislation, with adults particularly targeted for their distinctive shell patterns valued in ornamental trade.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands across central Myanmar, preferring areas with scattered trees and seasonal water sources. The species adapts to degraded habitats but requires adequate vegetation cover for foraging and nesting sites.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorShrubland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislationCompliance and enforcement

Other threatened species in TESTUDINIDAE

Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

Declining
VU

Chelonoidis vandenburghi

Increasing
Gopherus polyphemusCR

Gopherus polyphemus

Declining
Eastern Santa Cruz Giant TortoiseCR

Eastern Santa Cruz Giant Tortoise

Chelonoidis donfaustoi

Increasing

Threatened in Congo - Kinshasa

VU

Nothobranchius chochamandai

Unknown
VU

Nothobranchius ditte

Unknown
EN

Nothobranchius flagrans

Unknown
Slaty EgretVU

Slaty Egret

Egretta vinaceigula

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Burmese Star Tortoise classified as Critically Endangered?
Burmese Star Tortoise is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Burmese star tortoise faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive collection for the international pet trade and traditional medicine markets. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further fragmented remaining populations. Illegal harvesting continues despite protective legislation, with adults particularly targeted for their distinctive shell patterns valued in ornamental trade.
Where does Burmese Star Tortoise live?
Burmese Star Tortoise occurs in Congo - Kinshasa, and Myanmar (Burma). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Burmese Star Tortoise?
The main threats to Burmese Star Tortoise are 2.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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