Red-Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis Carbonaria
Scientific Name
Red-Footed Tortoise: Chelonoidis Carbonaria
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
The Red-footed tortoise is native to South America. It has also been introduced to many islands in the Caribbean.
Natural Habitat
The Red-foot occupies all types of forest habitat (rainforest, temperate forest, and dry thorn forest), and also dwells in savanna areas, including man-made grasslands resulting from ranching and slash-and-burn agricultural practices. Forest edges and savannas seem to be the preferred habitat for this species.
Physical Characteristics
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Red-foot males are larger than females in carpace length and weight, but are not wider or taller. Males can easily reach twenty pounds (9kg) or more, while females weigh a bit less. As with other tortoise species, male red-foots have a concave plastron. As red-foots mature both sexes develop an “hourglass” figure. Mature males also have longer and wider tails than females. They usually live 40-50 years.
Quick Facts
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In the wild, the Red-foot Tortoise lays clutches of 5-15 eggs between July and September.
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The red-foot has been an enduring favorite in the herpetocultural trade for years.
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This species is named so, due to the red, yellow and orange scales on its limbs, head and tail.
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Red-Footed Tortoise is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Herbivore
Red-foot Tortoises are herbivorous. In captivity, Red-foots should be fed a mixture of high calcium greens, fruits, vegetables, and flowers and a small amount of animal protein. Appropriate greens include dandelion greens, turnip greens, collard greens, endive and escarole lettuce, Greenleaf and redleaf lettuces, grape leaves and hibiscus leaves.
