Red Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonarius
- Least Concern
- Near Threatened
- Vulnerable
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
- Extinct
Red-Footed Tortoises are named after the red coloured scales across their legs. Dexterous and nimble creatures, the Red Footed Tortoise has a relatively thin and smooth shell which helps it fit and squeeze into narrow and tricky openings. Meat from the tortoise is considered a delicacy across South America and sadly huge numbers of the species are shipped across the continent to meet this demand.
Native Range → |
South America |
Natural Habitat → |
Savanna, forests and grassland |
Diet → |
Omnivorous: leaves, plants, fruit, fungi, invertebrates, and carrion |
Life Expectancy → |
20-40 years in the wild Up to 50 years in zoos |
Breeding → |
2-15 eggs & an incubation period of 4-6 months |
Group Name → |
Creep |
Active Hours → |
During the day |
Threats → |
Illegal pet trade, hunting |
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