Taxidermy: A Late Victorian Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata)

Taxidermy: A Late Victorian Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), circa 1880-1900, (Astrochelys radiata), Astrochelys radiata), circa 1880-1900, a superb large full-mount antique adult in walking pose, loosely nailed to a simple oval mahogany base, length 38cm, width 26cm, height 21cm. Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar, it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Reunion and Mauritius. It is a very long-lived species, with recorded lifespans of up to 188 years. Taxidermy: A Late Victorian Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), circa 1880-1900, a superb large full-mount antique adult in walking pose, loosely nailed to a simple oval mahogany base, length 38cm, width 26cm, height 21cm. Although this species is native to and most abundant in southern Madagascar, it can also be found in the rest of this island, and has been introduced to the islands of Reunion and Mauritius. It is a very long-lived species, with recorded lifespans of up to 188 years. This species has the basic "tortoise" body shape, which consists of the high-domed carapace, a blunt head, and elephantine feet. The legs, feet, and head are yellow except for a variably sized black patch on top of the head. The carapace of the radiated tortoise is brilliantly marked with yellow lines radiating from the centre of each dark plate of the shell, hence its name. These tortoises are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, mainly because of the destruction of their habitat and because of poaching Provenance: The Property of an American Collector CITES Annex A, Appendix I (pre-1947 exempt)

Estimate:£700

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