How difficult is it to keep Red-Footed Tortoise?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Red-Footed Tortoise get?

Red-Footed Tortoise typically reaches Carapace up to 51cm, though populations differ greatly, from about 20cm to over 40cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Red-Footed Tortoise?

The price of Red-Footed Tortoise varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Red-Footed Tortoise

Q: What should I feed Red-Footed Tortoise?

Red-Footed Tortoise feeds on: Leafy greens, fruit, flowers, mushrooms, tortoise diet and a small amount of animal protein. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Chelonoidis carbonarius

Named for the red and orange markings on the large scales of the forelimbs. The carapace is domed and waisted at the sides, giving it an hourglass outline from above. Widely distributed in South America, with a carapace to 51 cm.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Fifty years or more under good care

Size

Carapace up to 51cm, though populations differ greatly, from about 20cm to over 40cm

Humidity

70〜90%

Diet

Leafy greens, fruit, flowers, mushrooms, tortoise diet and a small amount of animal protein

About

Chelonoidis carbonarius is a tortoise widely distributed in South America, with a carapace to 51 cm. The shell is domed and waisted at the sides, so from above it has an hourglass outline. It is black to dark brown with yellow, pale yellowish brown or orange around the scutes present from hatching; the specific name carbonarius, meaning coal-like, refers to this dark colour. Red, orange and yellow markings mark the head, and the red or orange blotches on the large forelimb scales give the tortoise its English and Japanese names. No subspecies are recognised, but four population groups are often distinguished - northern, eastern Brazilian, Bolivian and Argentine - and adult size ranges from the low twenties of centimetres to over 40. It lives in humid savanna and forest edges, eating mainly flowers in the dry season and fruit in the wet.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Red-Footed Tortoise

The Red-Footed Tortoise grows to Carapace up to 51cm, though populations differ greatly, from about 20cm to over 40cm.

Basic Info

Origin

From southern Panama through Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina, in humid savanna and the forest edges around it

Lifespan

Fifty years or more under good care

Size

Carapace up to 51cm, though populations differ greatly, from about 20cm to over 40cm

Humidity

70〜90%

Diet

Care Specifications

PeacefulSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: ReptiFiles: Red-Footed Tortoise Care Sheet / Wikipedia (Japanese): Red-footed tortoise / Wikipedia (English): Red-footed tortoise / Reptile Database

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Chelonoidis carbonarius Spix, 1824

Synonyms: Testudo carbonaria Spix, 1824, Geochelone carbonaria (Williams, 1960), Chelonoidis carbonaria (Bour, 1980)

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

It was listed in CITES Appendix II at the genus level as Geochelone when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species came into effect in 1975, and at the family level as Testudinidae in 1977 (the current listing at family level came into effect on January 2, 2017). As it is in Appendix II, no international rare wildlife species registration certificate is required. This species is neither listed as a designated animal in the appendix of the Animal Welfare and Management Act Enforcement Regulations nor as a designated invasive species.

Sources: CITES Appendices / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (designated dangerous animals)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.