Geographical Region

South American Rainforests

Habitat

Thick rainforest where they can find/eat soft fruits and plenty of lush vegetation

Colour

Dark olive shell with yellowing edges with red/yellow scales on their legs and feet

Size

15 – 18-inch plastron length weighing in excess of 5kgs

Captive Environment

The bigger the better. An adult pair will require a lot of floor space (96inches x 48inches, height isn’t too important).  A modified greenhouse, shed or conservatory is an ideal space for tortoises of this size. 5% UV is needed for shell formation and calcium absorption and humidity is an essential part of the environment.  Without it, the tortoises will develop respiratory problems and will go off their food. A large water bowl to drink from, bathe in and defecate in is needed also. This will also help to raise ambient humidity as will lightly misting the enclosure on a daily basis.

Heating

Ambient between 84 - 86°F, will take basking temperatures up to 90°F but only for limited periods.

Lighting

Use a 5%  ReptiGlo uv tube to allow the tortoise to metabolise vitamin D3 and store it as calcium. Without this light the tortoise will suffer effects of metabolic bone disease and will eventually die from it.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours dark.

Feeding

Herbivorous eating a wide variety of calcium rich leafy greens, some vegetables and soft fruits (full lists of do’s/don’ts available, just ask). Calcium supplement such as repton/reptivite is used 2/3 times weekly when the tortoises are growing to aid calcium deposition.

Sexing

Much easier to do when nearing adult size, males have a shorter thicker tail and a concave plastron. Where as the females tail is longer and more tapered with a flatter plastron.