Name

Red-Footed Tortoise

Scientific Name

Chelonoidis Carbonaria

Characteristics

Red-footed tortoises can be recognised bytheir dark shell, with yellow markings. They aremedium sized tortoises that get their name fromthe red, orange or yellow scales which are visibleon their legs, as well as their heads and tails.The red-footed tortoise is polygynous (havingmore than one mate). Males produce soundsand calls to attract potential mates and ward offcompetitors. Males often move their heads in abobbing motion prior to fighting. If a male flipshis competitor on to his back he wins the fightand gains access to the female.

Diet

 In the wild, they feed mainly on fruit duringthe wet season and on flowers during thedry season. They also eat fungi and evencarrion (dead meat)!

Size Fact

 Males are larger than females, easily reaching 9kg!

Food Fact

 The meat from the red-footed tortoise is considered a delicacy by many. 

Fun Fact

Calls consist of "clucks" similar to those produced by chickens!

IUCN Red list

 These tortoises have not been evaluated by the IUCN. 

Where do I live?

Red-footed tortoises live throughoutSouth America from Panama to Argentina.They have also been introduced to anumber of islands in the Caribbean.They live in dry and wet forests areas,grasslands and the savannah.

Our animals

Come and see these Tortoises in our reptile house, they share their enclosure with the Green Iguanas.