Scientific Name
- The scientific name of Yellow Foot Tortoise is Geochelone denticulata.
Description
- Also known as Yellow-footed tortoise.
- Look quite similar to Red-footed Tortoise. The difference is just the color of the scale on the forelegs and the heads of the tortoises.
- Readily available and fairly hardy, that makes a wonderful pet tortoise.
- Their shell is wide and flat with light golden brown.
- These tortoises are shy yet active and personable.
Distribution
- They are found in South American countries, covering from Brazil to Bolivia and some Caribbean Islands.
- They also live in Northern South America, east of the Andes to southern Brazil, Trinidad, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, etc.
Breeding
- Light winter cooling, followed by warm and rainy days, is helpful for Yellow Footed Tortoises breeding.
Nesting
- They lay 6 to 12 eggs per clutch.
- Each clutch is laid 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- The little babies take approximately 3 to 4 months at 84°F to hatch.
Size
- Male up to 24 inches (60cm).
- Female up to 30 inches (75cm).
- Weight up to 40 lbs (20 kg).
Life Span
- Yellow Footed Tortoises may live up to 50 years old.
Diet
- These are tortoises are omnivores.
- Eat leafy greens such as clover, endive, dandelions, etc.
- Fallen fruits.
- Small amounts of meat, such as earthworms and low protein food.
- Commercial tortoise food (high calcium and vitamins).
- Powdered calcium and high protein food should be mixed with the meal once a week to help them grow better.
Habitat
- Their natural habitat is in the dense rainforest and tropical lowlands of South America.
Common Disease
- These tortoises will experience respiratory problems after prolonged exposure to a cool environment.
- Early symptoms are puffy eyes and a running nose.