Pyxis planicauda
(Grandidier, 1867)
Vernacular names
English : Flat-backed spider-tortoise
French : Pyxide à dos plat
Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Testudinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.
Identification
The species can grow to 14,8 cm in length. Upper shell and tail flattened. Shell scutes have a yellow center and radiating yellow-brown lines on dark background color. Side scutes are dark with yellow lines. Head is darker than shell.
Range and habitat
The species is endemic to south-west Madagascar and occurs in the Menabe province, between the Morondava and Tsiribihina rivers. Lives in dry deciduous forests on loose sandy soil.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is facing a dramatic situation in the wild as most of its habitat is under threat and the last remaining wild populations fall victim to poachers.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America
Observation
