Class: Reptilia

Order: Chelonia Cryptodira

Scientific Name: Geochelone carbonaria

Range: Northern and central South America

Habitat: Humid forest, moist savannas

Diet: Wild: Grasses, succulent fallen fruit, occasional carrion
Zoo: Endive, spinach, carrots, grapes, bananas, leafeater diet

Gestation: Incubation: 105 to 202 days

Litter: Clutch: 5-15 eggs

Description: Average adult carapace 10 to 13" long. Record is 17-3/4". The carapace is black (occasionally dark brown) with yellow to reddish orange vertebral areas. A light spot of the same color occurs at the base of each marginal. Distinct curving of the sides give a waist-line look. The plastron is yellowish brown with some dark pigment along the mid transverse seams. Some males will be very dark within the concave portion. The anterior surface of the limb is covered with large red non- or slightly- overlapping scales. The color may vary from deep scarlet to orange and even yellow in some specimens. Breeding season is usually July to September in the wild, but in captivity they breed all year. . Females will dig a flask-like cavity approximately 8" deep to deposit the eggs, which are elongated with brittle shells.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.