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Red-footed Tortoise

Scientific Name

Chelonoidis carbonaria

Geographic Range

South America, Trinidad, Barbados

Diet

Leaves, grasses, fungi, fruits, and flowers (also small invertebrates)

Found in:

Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House

More Information

Red-footed tortoises were named for the red-and-orange markings scattered across their limbs and face. They have bumpy, brownish and green-gray shells and generally black skin. Juveniles have areas of yellow or tan covering each bump. Males are larger and can grow to 13.5 inches. These reptiles live in forests, grasslands, and savannas.

After mating, females bury 5–15 eggs in leaf-litter nests on the forest floor. These eggs are incubated for 150 days.

Did You Know?

These tortoises frequently reach ages of 50 years or more.
Males and females identify each other using head movements as signals.
To attract a mate, males fight for dominance. This may include mounting an opponent and flipping them on their back.

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