Red-footed Tortoise Chelonoidis carbonaria (prev. Geochelone carbonaria)

The Red-footed Tortoise, also called the Red-legged Tortoise, although neither its red-spotted feet or legs are its most visible feature, is native to northern South America. There are also reddish spots, which can be orange, yellow, pink or dark red, on its face and in the centre of each "scute" or section of the upper shell.

It is an oblong-shaped tortoise as an adult, growing to some 30-40 cm long. Like most tortoises, is long-lived in the wild, and can reach over 50 years. The population is endangered through habitat destruction and collection for food and the pet trade.

These particular tortoises above (foreground) have deformed shells - not the usual smooth rounded dome as seen in the background. The heightened pyramids are often caused by a rich diet.

There are several subspecies over its range. One of those is the "Cherry-headed" Red-footed, a slightly smaller tortoise with a redder face native to Brazil.

It is closely related to the similar-looking Yellow-footed Tortoise of the Amazon (link below).

Baby Red-footed Tortoises.