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Yellowfoot Tortoise Geochelone denticulata |
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The beautiful yellowfoot tortoise is a species of the Amazon Basin, a region of dense rainforest. It is one of the largest mainland tortoises, occasionally reaching lengths of over twenty inches. In appearance it is somewhat similar to the more familiar and smaller redfoot tortoise, though its legs and face tend to be marked in an orange yellow color rather than red. Its shell is often more rounded in appearance and of a chocolate brown color with light centers to the scutes. The two species can be definitively identified on the basis of certain scalation features. Yellowfoot tortoises have a reputation for being somewhat delicate in captivity, but this is mainly based on imported specimens, which often adapt poorly. Captive born tortoises generally do much better, especially if their environment is tailored to their needs. The rainforests of South America are humid, shady, and stable in temperature. A well planted outdoor enclosure with plenty of shade, hiding spots, and a shallow pool of water for soaking make this tortoise feel more "at home." Running sprinklers often will also help. The rainforests do not experience extremes in temperature, so it is important to protect this tortoise from temperatures outside the 60 to 90 F range. If kept indoors, juveniles can be kept on a substrate of cypress mulch and should be frequently misted to maintain high humidity. Unlike many grassland or aridland tortoise species, yellowfoots need to be provided with plenty of fruit and some protein in the form of meat. |
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Two of our adult breeders
Yellowfoots enjoying lunch Comparison of yellowfoot tortoise (left) and redfoot tortoise (right)
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Price for captive bred babies: $95
Availability: Expected in 2008 |
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