Cylindraspis vosmaeri, known as the Rodrigues Giant Saddleback Tortoise, is an extinct species endemic to Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. It was one of the last giant tortoises to become extinct in the Mascarene Islands.
Lineage: Turtles and Tortoises (TESTUDINES) > Cryptodira (CRYPTODIRA) > Durocryptodira (DUROCRYPTODIRA) > Testudinoid Turtles Superfamily (TESTUDINOIDEA) > Tortoises (TESTUDINIDAE) > Typical Tortoises Subfamily (TESTUDININAE) > Mascarene Giant Tortoises (Cylindraspis) > Rodrigues Giant Saddleback Tortoise (Cylindraspis vosmaeri). This path helps place the taxon within its family, genus, or species-level context.
Plate page 330
Chinese Name
罗德里格斯鞍背龟(灭绝)
English Name
Rodrigues Giant Saddleback Tortoise
Scientific Name
Cylindraspis vosmaeri
Rank
Species
Plate notes
Cylindraspis vosmaeri
Trivia
Named after Arnout Vosmaer, a Dutch naturalist. The species was known from subfossil remains and historical accounts, including descriptions by early travelers.
Overview
Cylindraspis vosmaeri, known as the Rodrigues Giant Saddleback Tortoise, is an extinct species endemic to Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. It was one of the last giant tortoises to become extinct in the Mascarene Islands.
Scientific Name
Cylindraspis vosmaeri
Ecological Habits
Herbivorous, browsing higher vegetation due to saddleback morphology. Inhabited forests and coastal areas of Rodrigues.
Major Threats & Conservation
Overexploitation by humans for food and introduction of invasive species (pigs, rats) led to its rapid extinction. No conservation actions were implemented.
Morphological Characteristics
Maximum SCL estimated: male ca. 109 cm, female ca. 80 cm; measured: male 88.0 cm, female 68.0 cm. Saddleback shell shape with raised anterior margin, allowing a more upright neck posture.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Endemic to Rodrigues (Mauritius). Estimated indigenous AOO: 113 sq km, EOO: 135 sq km. IUCN Red List: Extinct (EX) (1996). Extinct around 1800.
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