IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Reptiles
Order: Testudines
Family: Testudinidae
The habitat of the red-footed tortoise varies by region, but it is typically temperate forest and savannah edges of Central and South American countries like Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and Brazil.
They eat a mixture of fallen leaves and fruit, plants, flowers, fungi, carrion, worms, snails and slugs.
Interesting facts!
- This tortoise has a tall and narrow shell to help squeeze between trees when in the forests. They are also particularly attracted to yellow or red flowers!
- The breeding season starts in April to May, coinciding with the start of the rainy season. The males will battle over females, and during courtship the males cluck, sounding like a chicken. Between July and September, the female may lay several clutches of up to 15 eggs.
Conservation
This tortoise is classified as a Vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. It can survive long periods of time with food or water, meaning they can be transported long distances easily, making them desirable for the pet trade. Like so many other species in South America, habitat loss is also a severe pressure.