Tortoise, Red Footed

...

Geochelone carbonaria, Reptilia Chelonia Cryptodira

Average adult carapace 10 to 13" long. Record is 17-3/4". The carapace is black (occasionally dark brown) with yellow to reddish orange vertebral areas. A light spot of the same color occurs at the base of each marginal. Distinct curving of the sides give a waist-line look. The plastron is yellowish brown with some dark pigment along the mid transverse seams. Some males will be very dark within the concave portion. The anterior surface of the limb is covered with large red non- or slightly- overlapping scales. The color may vary from deep scarlet to orange and even yellow in some specimens. Breeding season is usually July to September in the wild, but in captivity they breed all year. Females will dig a flask-like cavity approximately 8" deep to deposit the eggs, which are elongated with brittle shells.

Conservation Education Ambassador Animals

RangeNorthern and central South America
HabitatHumid forest, moist savannas
Wild DietGrasses, succulent fallen fruit, occasional carrion
Zoo DietEndive, spinach, carrots, grapes, bananas, leaf-eater diet

Conservation

StatusNot Evaluated

The Zoo is protecting red-footed tortoises in partnership with Turtle Survival Alliance.

Learn More

Reproduction
Breeding season is usually July to September in the wild, but in captivity, they breed all year. Males use head movements (a series of jerks away from and back to mid position - first to one side then the other) to distinguish themselves from other males. They will sniff the female's cloaca to determine if it is the same species. Ramming and pushing may be used to subdue the female. Females will dig a flask-like cavity approximately 8 inches deep to deposit the eggs, which are elongated with brittle shells.
GestationIncubation: 105 to 202 days
LitterClutch: 5-15 eggs

Tortoise, Red Footed

Conservation

Explore More Animals