[9] This species has the basic "tortoise" body shape, which consists of the high-domed carapace, a blunt head, and elephantine feet.

The radiated tortoise is also larger than G. elegans, and the scutes of the carapace are smooth, and not raised up into a bumpy, pyramidal shape as is commonly seen in the latter species.

[10] Radiated tortoises occur naturally only in the extreme southern and southwestern part of the island of Madagascar.

The male begins this fairly noisy procedure by bobbing his head and smelling the female's hind legs and cloaca.

This is a very dangerous procedure and cases have been recorded where the female's shell has cracked and pierced the vaginal and anal cavities.

These tortoises are critically endangered due to habitat loss, being poached for food, and being overexploited in the pet trade.

It is listed on CITES Appendix I, commercial trade in wild-caught specimens is illegal (permitted only in exceptional licensed circumstances).

[11] In the North American studbook, 332 specimens are listed as participating in captive-breeding programs such as the Species Survival Plan.

Captive breeding has shown great promise as in the captive-breeding program for the radiated tortoise at the New York Zoological Society's Wildlife Survival Center.

[14] On 20 March 2016, the customs officials at Mumbai airport seized 146 tortoises from the mishandled baggage of a Nepal citizen.