Source Sustainability
Unable to Rank Choice
Does the harvest for wildlife trade
or captive breeding of this species
harm wild populations?
Unable to Rank
Little is known about the status of Red-footed Tortoise populations in the wild. The two main threats are believed to be habitat loss and harvest for food. Red-footed Tortoises are sold as a delicacy in many South American cities. Additionally, the Catholic Church considers tortoises “fish” so Red-footed Tortoises are consumed in large numbers during Holy Week.
There is also little reliable information about the number of Red-footed Tortoises in the pet trade, the percentage of these that are captive-bred, or the effects of harvest on wild populations.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When possible, purchase a captive-bred animal, as this will decrease the demand for wild-born individuals. In general, captive-bred reptiles will be healthier and live longer than wild-caught animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.
Invasion Threat
Fair Choice
Does the release or escape of this species into
the wild harm the environment and/or economy?
Some Cause for Concern
Red-footed Tortoises introduced to the U.S. Virgin Islands and other islands in the West Indies have established self-sustaining populations. As yet, there is no evidence that they have had negative impacts on native or domesticated species.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Tortoises take a long time to become sexually mature, and therefore rarely become invasive. Nevertheless, because non-native animals can harbor novel diseases or parasites, check to make sure that it is legal to own a Red-footed Tortoise in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet tortoise inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.
Animal Welfare
Fair Choice
Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or
being kept as a pet harm individual animals?
Some Cause for Concern
Red-footed Tortoises are relatively easy to keep in captivity. One important consideration, however, is that they can live for up to 50 years and so require a long-term care commitment.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Before acquiring a pet tortoise, be sure to research its specific care requirements. Make sure to research the necessary requirements for keeping a tortoise healthy and happy for up to 50 years. Annual check ups and fecal analyses are recommended. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper diet and how to maintain a healthy weight for your pet. Because these animals can be carriers of disease (see Health Threat, below), acquire an animal only from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder. Be sure that it is legal to own a tortoise in your city and/or state of residence.
Health Threat
Fair Choice
Does this animal pose a health risk to native
wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?
Some Cause for Concern
Tortoises in general are known to carry Salmonella. If ingested by humans, Salmonella can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal. Salmonella can be transmitted from exotic pets to any member of a household, even those who do not handle the pet directly.
Wild-caught Red-footed Tortoises can harbor ticks of the genus Amblyomma. These ticks carry the bacteria (Cowdria ruminantium) that cause heartwater, a severe and usually fatal disease infecting cattle, sheep, goats, and other ruminants.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Due to the potential for disease transmission to humans and livestock, acquire a Red-footed Tortoise that was captive-bred in the United States, has a documented health history, and is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder/distributor. Be sure to ask for proof of a clean bill of health and that the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian. Obtain a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.
