
Red-footed tortoise
Latin name: Geochelone carbonaria
It Will Eat Anything!
- Although it prefers fruits, flowers and invertebrates (especially insect larvae), it will also eat mushrooms, carrion, and even feces occasionally!
- Although the adult does not have any predators, the young risk being eaten by animals introduced into their environment such as dogs, wild boars and rats.
- The red-footed tortoise might have been a food staple of the pre Columbian Indians while they travelled, which would explain their introduction to South America islands.
- Tortoises are generally quiet by nature. The red-footed tortoise male emits a particular squeak that is specific to this species.
- Although it is considered plentiful in the wild, its trade is not controlled and is therefore subject to a drop in its wild populations.
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Distribution
Northern South America
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Habitat
Savannahs, open forests
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Diet
Omnivore
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Status
Not Assessed
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Zoo Zone
The Temple (inside)