<p><strong>Status: Critically Endangered</strong></p><p>While protected by law in Madagascar, the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise <em>(Astrochelys yniphora)</em> sometimes falls prey to human smugglers. It’s among the 25 most endangered turtles in the world. Its name comes from the plow-shaped projection between its front legs. Photographed at <a href="http://www.turtleconservancy.org/" target="_blank">Turtle Conservancy</a>, Ojai, California.</p><p class="p1"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/Art.1670923299" target="_blank"> Buy a print</a> | <a href="http://www.natgeocreative.com/photography/2325305" target="_blank">License this photo</a></p>
Ploughshare Tortoise
Status: Critically Endangered
While protected by law in Madagascar, the critically endangered ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora) sometimes falls prey to human smugglers. It’s among the 25 most endangered turtles in the world. Its name comes from the plow-shaped projection between its front legs. Photographed at Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California.
Amphibians and Reptiles
A selection of portraits from Photo Ark, a project to document the world's animals before they disappear.
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