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Red-footed Tortoise
Paignton Zoo is home to three red-footed tortoises, who share a habitat with our yellow-footed tortoise in Tropical Trails.
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Testudines
Family:
Testudinidae
About the red-footed tortoise
The red-footed tortoise is closely related to the yellow-footed tortoise but is distinguished by the bright red or orange scales on its limbs. Adults grow to around 30–40 centimetres in shell length.
It lives in a mosaic of tropical forest and savanna habitats across northern South America. An omnivorous species, it feeds on fruit, vegetation and occasionally carrion, playing an important role in seed dispersal.
Conservation
The species is currently listed as Vulnerable, with hunting, habitat loss and collection for the pet trade affecting populations throughout its South American range.