Range - found in southwestern Madagascar, in coastal lowlands from Tuléar to the Mandrare River; occurs primarily in Antandroy territory, from Cape Sainte-Marie to Itampolo.

Natural History - during the hot season, this tortoise is active during the morning hours and will hide under bushes and within organic matter for the duration of the day. Like many species of turtles and tortoises, the sunburst carapace pattern allow it to disappear in the spiny plants, baobab leaf litter, and acacias. It is sympatric with Pyxis arachnoides in southwest Madagascar. This species is fady, or taboo, for the Antandroy and Mahafaly people of southern Madagascar; it may not be consumed or even touched. This fady protected the tortoise for a long time, but these beliefs are not shared by the Vezo and other ethnic groups of Madagascar, who increasingly migrated to the southern parts of the island nation. These people collect them illegally without hesitation for food and sale.

Unfortunately, this tortoise is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world and is in high demand in the pet trade.