What kind of animal is the yellow-footed turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. It is a famous turtle that is distributed from Bolivia to Brazil in South America and prefers to live in tropical rainforests, but it is actually designated as an endangered species.
What is a Yellow-footed Turtle? Basic Stats
The Yellow-footed Tortoise is a turtle classified in the family Testudinidae and genus Nanbeirikugame. Its Japanese name is Kiashigame, its scientific name is Chelonoidis denticulata, and its English name is Yellow-footed tortoise. Its shell length is 40-60cm. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | キアシガメ |
| English（英名） | Yellow-footed tortoise South American yellow-footed tortoise |
| scientific name(学名) | Chelonoidis denticulata |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、Testudines、 Testudinidae、Chelonoidis 爬虫綱、カメ目、リクガメ科、ナンベイリクガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 40～60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～7kg |
Habitat
The yellow-footed turtle is found in South America, from Bolivia to Brazil.
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The shell of the yellow-footed turtle is a long oval dome shape with parallel sides and elongated when viewed from above. The color of the carapace is dark brown, the edge of the rear marginal plate is slightly saw-like, and the head is small. The limbs are dark brown, with five claws on the front limbs and four on the back limbs. The yellow-footed turtle mainly lives in tropical rainforests.
What is its personality like?
The yellow-footed turtle is easygoing, which is common among large turtles. Therefore, it is known as a turtle that is very easy to keep, even for beginners.
What is its ecology like?
The yellow-footed turtle mainly eats grass, leaves, fruits, flowers, mushrooms, etc. Females lay about 4 to 8 eggs at a time several times a year. The eggs hatch in a few months, and the newly hatched turtles are 5 to 6 cm in total length. Sexual maturity is about 5 years. Their lifespan is 50 to 60 years.
Do they have any natural predators?
Natural predators of yellow-footed turtles include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and jaguars.
Is the yellow-footed turtle an endangered species?
The yellow-footed turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. Not only has its habitat been reduced due to recent development, but it has also been over-hunted as a pet, which has become a problem.
Can the yellow-footed turtle be kept as a pet?
The yellow-footed turtle can be kept as a pet. The following items are necessary for keeping a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation method. There are many products available in shops, and it is easy to purchase supplies such as food, cases, and lights.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a cage with a width of about 60 cm is required at the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring categories, from large to small. There are various types, such as Akadama soil, coconut shells, and artificial turf. Sometimes they are sold at a low price during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heating appliance to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. Therefore, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place where individuals can escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet Food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some also eating mustard spinach and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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