Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota) Fact Sheet: Distribution & Habitat

Distribution

• Wild populations of Burmese Star Tortoise within Myanmar’s national protected area system (e.g., Platt et al. 2017; Platt and Platt 2020; Praschag et al. 2020)
  • As of Feb 2022, found in 3 wildlife sanctuaries, with ultimate goal of reintroduction to all protected areas within the species’ range
• Once abundant and historically found throughout dry zone of Central Myanmar (previously Burma) (Moll 1989; Platt et al. 2011; Platt et al. 2017; Turtle Taxonomy Working Group 2021)
  • Extirpated from northern Dry Zone by poachers in the mid-1980s (Platt and Platt 2021)
  • Ecologically extinct across its range by 2000 (e.g., Platt et al. 2003; Platt et al. 2011; Platt et al. 2018; Praschag et al. 2020)
    • See “Conservation history”
• Dry zone, Central Myanmar
  • Semi-arid, desert-like region formed by rain shadow of western mountains (Roberts et al. 1968; Platt et al. 2011)
  • Temperatures reach up to 43°C (109°F) during hottest months (April and May) (Platt and Platt 2020)
  • Extended dry season, brief wet season (late June to September) (Platt et al. 2004; Platt et al. 2011)
    • Annual rainfall: 500-1,000 mm (20-40 in)
  • Home to “the bulk of Myanmar’s human population” (Platt and Platt 2017)
    • Dense human populations in Myanmar for more than 1,000 years (Thant Myint-U 2006, cited by Platt and Platt 2020)
• Myanmar
  • High diversity of turtles and tortoises (Platt and Platt 2017)
    • Among the most important countries for their conservation

Elevation range

• 50 to 500 m (160 to 1,600 ft) above sea level (Praschag et al. 2020)

Forests and grasslands

(Platt 2001a; Platt et al. 2001; Platt et al. 2003; Platt et al. 2011; Turtle Conservation Coalition 2018; Praschag et al. 2020)

• Dry scrub forests
• Deciduous forest with dense grassy undergrowth
• Scrub bamboo forests
• Grasslands
• Hedgerows, pastures, and agricultural fields
• Platt et al. (2003) describe these areas as important habitats, where tortoises not hunted

The Burmese Star Tortoise is found in several protected areas of Central Myanmar.

Adapted from www.d-maps.com according to IUCN fact sheet. Click here or on map for detailed distribution (IUCN).

Burmese Star Tortoises live in a variety of habitats, including different types of forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

Image credit: Lewis Medlock, © WCS/TSA Myanmar Turtle Program. All rights reserved. Used with permission.