Red-Footed Tortoise

Description
They are medium-sized turtles with black-brown skin and a dark black, brown or grey shell. These turtles are very easy to identify because of the brightly coloured scales on their limbs. These colours range from yellow to orange and red.

Behaviour
During the breeding season, males fight for females. After mating, females bury 5 to 15 eggs in nests dug in the leaf litter on the forest floor. Eggs usually hatch after about 150 days. They can live for more than 50 years. 

Interesting facts
Traditionally, these turtles have been threatened by habitat loss and excessive hunting and collecting. In much of their native range, their meat is considered a delicacy. Also, because they are easy to catch, they are widely sold illegally for the exotic pet trade.