Re: Redfoot questions

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Posted by Dimitri Grekoff on October 16, 2000 at 01:20:51:

In Reply to: Redfoot questions posted by chip on October 13, 2000 at 18:11:25:

: Are there any differences, other than size, between the "standard" redfoot, and the dwarf cherry head? I notice that they are both geochelone carbonaria, but are there any differences in personality, or hardiness? Should a novice consider one over the other? Thanks.

The northern type is the more common of the two and is from a more forest habitat. The southern type, often called "cherryhead" is from a more grassland area. Eventualy, I think they will be considered separate species, although closely related, since they do interbreed in captivity. The Argentine and Paraguayan torts are the least cold-sensitive and handle temps of 50 degrees if allowed to burrow in leaf litter or grass mounds. I wouldn't recommend this for long periods or in damp weather. Neither type hibernates.

Personality and behavior is similar and pleasant, though there are minor breeding differences. For a novice, stick with the more common northern type and you'll have years of enjoyment with a nice tortoise.

PS - not all cherryheads are drawfs - most are not. And those from Bolivia are some of the biggest redfoots known. See Pritchard's "Turtles of Venzuela" for a good treatment of the different types.

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: : Are there any differences, other than size, between the "standard" redfoot, and the dwarf cherry head? I notice that they are both geochelone carbonaria, but are there any differences in personality, or hardiness? Should a novice consider one over the other? Thanks. : The northern type is the more common of the two and is from a more forest habitat. The southern type, often called "cherryhead" is from a more grassland area. Eventualy, I think they will be considered separate species, although closely related, since they do interbreed in captivity. The Argentine and Paraguayan torts are the least cold-sensitive and handle temps of 50 degrees if allowed to burrow in leaf litter or grass mounds. I wouldn't recommend this for long periods or in damp weather. Neither type hibernates. : Personality and behavior is similar and pleasant, though there are minor breeding differences. For a novice, stick with the more common northern type and you'll have years of enjoyment with a nice tortoise. : PS - not all cherryheads are drawfs - most are not. And those from Bolivia are some of the biggest redfoots known. See Pritchard's "Turtles of Venzuela" for a good treatment of the different types.

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