Tortoise Species · South America

Red-footed Tortoise

A colourful, sociable South American tortoise of humid forest edges.

By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated June 2026

Medium50+ yearsCurious

Red-footed Tortoise tortoise — A colourful, sociable South American tortoise of humid forest edges.

In brief

The Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is a colourful South American species with red or orange scales on its legs and head. A humidity-loving omnivore, it does not hibernate and is CITES Appendix II, so captive-bred animals should be chosen.

Red-footed Tortoise: At a Glance

Key facts about the Red-footed Tortoise tortoise species
Origin	South America
Size	Medium (30–40 cm; up to ~9 kg)
Adult size	Adult 30–40 cm; up to ~9 kg
Lifespan	50+ years
Shell & appearance	Dark shell with pale centres; red/orange scales on legs and head
Temperament	Curious, social, colourful
Conservation & suitability	CITES II and collected for trade — buy captive-bred; a humidity-loving species needing warm, damp housing and an omnivorous diet (verify current IUCN status)

History & Origins

The Red-footed tortoise inhabits humid forest edges and savanna from Panama to Argentina. More social and omnivorous than Mediterranean tortoises, it eats fruit and some animal protein alongside plants. It is collected for food and the pet trade and is CITES Appendix II; captive-bred animals are widely available.

Red-footed Tortoise Fun Facts

It is named for the red or orange scales on its legs and head.
It is more omnivorous than Mediterranean tortoises, eating some fruit and protein.
It prefers humid forest-edge habitats, not dry ones.
It does not hibernate.

Red-footed Tortoise Common Health Issues

Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.

Metabolic bone disease

Calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency or inadequate UVB lighting softens and deforms the shell and bones.

Care: Provide correct UVB lighting, a calcium-rich plant diet and vet-guided supplementation.

Shell rot

Bacterial or fungal infection of the shell causing pitting, discharge and a foul smell, often from damp or dirty housing.

Care: Keep housing dry and clean; a reptile vet cleans and treats affected areas.

Intestinal parasites

Heavy worm burdens cause weight loss, diarrhoea and lethargy in tortoises.

Care: A reptile vet can run faecal tests and prescribe appropriate worming treatment.

A tortoise is a lifetime commitment

Tortoises live 50–100 years and routinely outlive their owners. Many species are still trafficked from the wild, so choose captive-bred animals, provide species-appropriate housing and plan for decades of care.

Support habitat protection Tortoise wildlife guide

Red-footed Tortoise FAQs

What is a Red-footed Tortoise?

Is the Red-footed Tortoise a good pet?

The Red-footed Tortoise can be a rewarding pet for a prepared keeper, but it is a decades-long commitment. Check its adult size and climate needs in the facts above, provide species-appropriate housing and diet, and always choose a captive-bred animal over a wild-caught one.

Does the Red-footed Tortoise hibernate?

Mediterranean species such as Hermann's, Russian, Greek and Marginated tortoises hibernate and need a controlled cool winter rest, while warm-climate species such as the Sulcata, Leopard, Red-footed and Indian star do not. Hibernating an unwell or tropical tortoise is dangerous — follow species-specific veterinary advice.