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 |
Taxonomy of the Yellow-footed Tortoise
| 分類階級 | 学名・内容 |
|---|---|
| 界（Kingdom） | Animalia（動物界） |
| 門（Phylum） | Chordata（脊索動物門） |
| 綱（Class） | Reptilia（爬虫綱） |
| 目（Order） | Testudines（カメ目） |
| 科（Family） | Testudinidae（リクガメ科） |
| 属（Genus） | Manouria（マヌーリア属） |
| 種（Species） | Manouria impressa（キアシガメ） |
Habitat
The yellow-footed turtle is found in South America, from Bolivia to Brazil.
- Geographic Distribution
Distributed mainly in Southeast Asia and the Himalayan region
Examples of distribution by country:
Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia
Also found in the mountainous regions of southern China and northeastern India
Altitude: Lowlands to approximately 1,200 m above sea level
- Habitat Type
Prefers tropical rainforests and semi-deciduous forests
Often hides in areas with lots of fallen leaves or dead leaves on the ground
Live near rivers or moist soil, requiring humid environments
- Relationship with Water
Cannot survive in completely dry areas; requires moist environments and water sources
Often migrates in search of food during the rainy season
- Habitat Characteristics
Adapted to hot, humid forest environments
Digs soil and fallen leaves to rest and lay eggs
Has the habit of burrowing into fallen leaves and soil to protect itself from predators
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.
- Body Size and Morphology
Body Length: Approximately 35-45 cm (adult)
Weight: Approximately 8-10 kg
Carapace (Dorsal):
Brown to dark brown with a slightly raised, dome-shaped shell
May contain slight linear patterns
Head and Limbs:
Limbs and the base of the neck are yellowish (hence the name “yellow-footed turtle”).
Small face, dark, gentle eyes
Strong limbs, adapted for digging and moving around in the ground
- Behavior and Personality
Movements are relatively slow and timid
Very rarely aggressive
Typically solitary
- Diet
Tends to be herbivorous, leaning towards omnivory
Food:
Fruits, leaves, flowers, mushrooms, etc.
May also eat small insects and organisms found in leaf mold
Stretches neck to forage, chewing slowly
- Ecological Impressions
A calm, medium-sized tortoise that lives in the humid forests of Southeast Asia.
With yellow limbs and a gentle face, it gives off a relatively cute appearance.
In environments with few predators, it burrows into fallen leaves and relaxes.
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.
- Timid and cautious
When sensing danger or loud noises, they retract their necks and limbs into their shells and hide.
In the wild, they have a habit of burrowing into fallen leaves or soil for protection.
- Gentle and docile
They are rarely aggressive and are docile toward people and other animals.
They have a calm personality and move at a leisurely pace.
- Low sociality
They generally act alone.
They rarely come into contact with other individuals, only occasionally encountering them at feeding or watering places.
- High endurance
Even if they travel short distances, they can remain motionless for long periods of time and tolerate the environment.
They often rest by burrowing into fallen leaves or soil.
- Intelligence and learning ability
They lack complex social behavior, but they are able to memorize the locations of food and water and adapt their behavior to their environment.
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.
- Lifestyle
Diurnal, active during the day, foraging and moving.
They move slowly through the forest in search of food and water.
They rest in hidden areas such as fallen leaves, soil, rocks, and tree roots.
- Diet
Omnivorous, herbivorous.
Food:
Fruits, leaves, flowers, mushrooms.
They may also ingest small insects and microorganisms found in leaf litter.
They forage by stretching their necks and slowly chewing.
- Reproduction and Rearing
Breeding Season: Varies by region and season (often more active during the rainy season).
They are oviparous, with females digging holes in soft soil or fallen leaves to lay their eggs.
Number of eggs: Approximately 5-10 per litter.
Incubation Period: Approximately 90-120 days.
Independence of Young:
They can survive on their own immediately after hatching.
When sensing danger, they hide in their shells and spend time under shrubs or fallen leaves.
- Behavior and Sociality
Primarily solitary
Interaction with other individuals is only observed occasionally at water sources or feeding areas
Movement range and behavior patterns change depending on the season and the distribution of water sources and food.
- Habitat Relationship
Adapted to the tropical rainforests and semi-deciduous forests of Southeast Asia
Prefers humid environments with water sources
Has the habit of hiding in soil and fallen leaves to protect itself from predators
Do they have any natural predators?
Natural predators of yellow-footed turtles include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and jaguars.
About Yellow-Footed Tortoise Hatchery
This article provides a detailed overview of the characteristics and ecology of yellow-footed tortoise (Manouria impressa) hatchlings.
- Birth and Hatching
Egg-laying (oviparous)
Females dig holes in soft soil or under fallen leaves to lay eggs.
Approximately 5-10 eggs per hatch.
Incubation Period: Approximately 90-120 days (varies depending on temperature and humidity).
Body Length and Weight:
Body Length: Approximately 5-10 cm
Weight: Approximately 50-100 g
Appearance:
The shell is still small and soft.
The yellow limbs are already noticeable, but the patterns and coloring are not as vivid as those of adults.
- Juvenile Behavior
Highly Independent: Flourishing on their own immediately after hatching
Timid and cautious: When sensing danger, they hide in their shell and protect themselves under fallen leaves or soil
Feeding Behavior:
Eats small amounts of leaves and fruit on their own
Chews slowly, taking time to digest
Route:
Movement around the burrow to avoid danger and secure food
Prefers areas near water sources
- Growth Stage
Immediately after hatching
Moves alone
Mainly hides to protect themselves from predators
Juvenile Stage (Several months to 1 year)
Their shell gradually hardens, and the pattern becomes more distinct
Feeding increases, and their range expands in search of water and food
Young Adult Stage (1-3 years)
As their body size increases, their survival rate increases in environments with fewer predators
- Relationship with Habitat
Young animals seek out safe areas such as the shade of fallen leaves, shrubs, or rocks.
They also hydrate themselves.
In environments with few predators, they grow slowly and approach adulthood.
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.
- IUCN Assessment
The IUCN Red List lists the Grey-footed Tortoise as Vulnerable (VU).
The population is declining and is considered to be at medium risk of extinction.
- Causes of Decline
Poaching and Pet Trade
The beautiful colors of their carapace and limbs make them popular ornamental animals and pets.
Illegal trade and poaching have led to declining populations.
Habitat Destruction
Deforestation due to logging, agricultural development, and urbanization in tropical rainforests.
Invasive species and predators.
Young turtles are vulnerable to predation by rats and dogs.
Environmental Change
Water shortages due to climate change and droughts are affecting populations.
- Conservation Efforts
Habitat protection in nature reserves and national parks.
Monitoring and restricting illegal trade.
Protection programs for young turtles and eggs, population management.
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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