Welcome to Mill Mountain Zoo
Roanoke, Virginia
MEET NUEVE AND DOCE OUR RED-FOOTED TORTOISES!
Scientific Name: Chelonoidis carbonaria
Diet: Omnivorous. These tortoises will eat anything from vegetation to fungi, insects, and carrion.
Fun Fact:
Red-footed tortoises can make clucking noises similar to that of a chicken.
This turtle helps to spread the seeds of tropical plants throughout it's range.
Compare me to...
The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina). These turtles are indiscriminte omnivores, much like the Red-footed Tortoise, and also play and important role in seed dispersal in the region.
Where can you find me?
(Click the map to find out more)
In dry and temperate forests, rainforests, grasslands, and savannas of South America.
Check out this video to see a red-footed tortoise chowing down on some flowers.
STATUS: Protected under CITES Appendix II
How can I help?
-The number one threat to this species is overhunting by humans. Both the tortoises and their eggs are considered delicacies in their native range. Consider supporting organization like the Turtle Conservancy to help.
FAQ's:
1. What's the different between tortoises and turtles?
The main way these two groups differ is that turtles live mainly in water while tortoises live mainly on land.