Red-Footed Tortoise - Geochelone carbonaria
Habitat:
Primarily humid forest dwellers but also found in some grasslands
Range:
Red-footed tortoises are found in South American and southern Central America from northern Argentina to southern Panama, they are also found on some islands of the Caribbean.
Activity Cycle:
Diurnal
Features:
Red-footed tortoises have red scales on the limbs. Color on the head can range from yellow to orange.
Size:
The Red-footed tortoise will normally reach between 10 and 16 inches in carapace length, with males generally being slightly larger than females. Males can get up to 13.5 inches and females average 11.25 inches.
Social Structure:
Sexes separated in wild
Life Expectancy:
Can live for 50 years
Diet:
Red Foots eat most vegetable and fruits, especially dark green leafy vegetables. Occasionally in the wild they have been known to eat carrion
Reproduction:
Males have a concave plastron and a much longer, pointed tail with the vent (cloaca) extending from the rear of the shell. Females have a flat plastron and a quite stubby tail with the vent (cloaca) within the edge of the shell. Males approach a desired female with a sideways swinging and jerking of the head. Males use head movements to identify each other. If the other tortoise swings its head it’s a male, if not, it’s a female.
Status:
Red-footed tortoises face many perils in the wild. In addition to the slash and burning of rainforests, they are eaten wherever they are found. This species is protected under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are listed as "Vulnerable" according to the IUCN. They are at low risk for extinction in the wild.
Interesting Facts:
- A red-footed tortoise can live for around 50 years!
- There is a smaller phenotype commonly called the ‘Cherry head’
Socialize
