Red-footed Tortoise - Five Sisters Zoo

A medium-sized tortoise, the Red-footed Tortoise is native to South America. Their shell is primarily black and brown, as is their skin. Their name comes from the vibrant patches of skin on their legs and heads which can be red or shades of orange and yellow, which appears to be related to their geographic location. These patches also help turtles identify one another and find partners during mating season.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; primarily plants and fungi, but will also consume small invertebrates

Weight: 9-12kg

Length: 30-50cm

Habitat: Portions of Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela; prefers humid rainforest but can also be found in drier forest areas.

Life Span: 50 years in the wild, up to 70 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Narrow shell shape allows the tortoise to move between tree trunks in dense forest
  • Females will lay clutches of 5-15 eggs during breeding season in a hole in the ground, then cover it with leaves and other plant material to provide the correct amount of heat and moisture for the eggs to develop

Threats

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Poaching and hunting

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

< Back to list

© Copyright 2024 Five sisters Zoo