Red-footed Tortoise | Selwo Marina Benalmádena

The Red-footed Tortoise, also known as the Morrocoy Tortoise, is a reptile that is native to South America, found in Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Trinidad, Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina. They are diurnal and live in tropical dry forests, temperate forests and savannah areas.

There is sexual dimorphism, with males being larger than females and having a more pronounced posterior anal notch. Their tails are also longer than those of females.

Males produce sounds and calls to attract potential mates and ward off competitors. After mating, the female deposits 2 to 15 eggs per clutch at a depth of about 20 cm and covers them. The incubation period ranges from 117 to 158 days.

Habitat loss and overhunting pose a serious threat to this tortoise.

Conservation Status

Extinct

Extinct in the wild

Critically endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Near threatened

Least concern

Insufficient data

Not evaluated