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Angonoka Tortoise
Ultra Rare
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Astrochelys yniphora

Angonoka
The Golden Globe

Price On Request

(CITES I - High Priority)
Max Size 40 - 50 cm
Origin Madagascar (CB ID)
Diet Dry Grass, Bamboo Leaves
Rarity World's Rarest

Valuation Estimate SCL (Straight Carapace Length)

Size Range PRICE
SIZE: (10 - 12 cm) $1500
AVAILABLE : 6

* Requires strict vetting of potential buyers.

The Angonoka, or Ploughshare Tortoise, is widely considered the "Holy Grail" of chelonian collections. With a wild population teetering on the brink of extinction, owning a legal, captive-bred specimen is a privilege reserved for the most dedicated preservationists. Its distinctive golden dome and unique gular scute make it a living work of art.

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Specimen Analysis

The Ultimate Rarity

The Golden Dome

The Angonoka is famed for its highly domed, golden-brown carapace with prominent growth rings that give it a sculpted appearance. Its most defining feature is the "ploughshare" – a large, projecting gular scute on the plastron, used by males in combat. This unique morphology makes it unmistakable and breathtakingly beautiful.

Unmatched Exclusivity

As arguably the rarest tortoise species on Earth, the Angonoka holds a value that transcends the typical market. It is an "Asset Class" animal. Prices have consistently appreciated over decades due to extreme scarcity. Possessing a legal, documented Angonoka places a collector in an elite tier of global herpetoculture.

Specialized Care

  • Environment: Native to dry bamboo forests. Requires a hot, dry environment with a basking spot of 32-35°C, but access to high humidity microclimates is crucial.
  • Diet: High fiber is non-negotiable. Dried bamboo leaves, mulberry leaves, and tough grasses mimic their natural diet. Avoid fruit and high-protein foods entirely.
  • Sensitivity: They are sensitive to respiratory infections if kept too cool and damp.

Conservation Stewardship

Owning an Angonoka comes with a responsibility to the species. By purchasing captive-bred individuals from legal sources, you support the sustainable propagation of the species outside its threatened natural habitat. Keepers are encouraged to participate in studbooks and breeding programs to ensure the survival of the bloodline.