Yellow-footed Tortoise
Geochelone denticulata
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Chelonia
FAMILY: Testudinidae
SIZE:
Average carapace length 15 - 16 inches (Record length 27.5 inches)
RANGE:
South America, from Venezuela to Bolivia
HABITAT:
Tropical and subtropical wet forests (used to high humidity and fluctuating temperatures)
DIET:
Wild - Vegetation, fungi, leaves, flowers, fruit. Although mainly herbivorous, it will take carrion when available.
Zoo - Lettuce, fruits and vegetables
DESCRIPTION:
The carapace is dark brown, the scutes gradually lightening towards the center but without sharp contrast. Larger scales on the limbs are yellow-orange rather than red.
Male moves his head in single sideways sweeps as challenge head movements during courtship of female.
YOUNG:
Average clutch size is 1 - 8 eggs, with 4 - 5 being most frequent. Eggs occasionally laid on forest floor, but usually are partially buried in a shallow scrape. Incubation is 125 - 150 days.
STATUS:
CITES App. II; Breeds in captivity
Yellow-footed tortoise is considered a delicacy and is hunted by forest Indians. They are also believed to have medicinal properties, the burnt shell being used against a variety of ailments.
They are kept as pets throughout much of their range, primarily in rural areas.
The carapace is also used for making musical instraments.
The greatest threat to this species is human encraochment into its habitat through logging, agriculture, and oil exploration.
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