Chelonoidis denticulata

A large closed terrarium / very large tortoise table, or a planted, heated outdoor pen kept humid in a suitable climate. A non-climbing but burrowing and powerful species: solid, buried walls.

Minimum floor dimensions for ONE adult; larger is always preferable. A planted, sheltered outdoor pen is ideal as soon as temperatures allow. Provide shaded areas and humid refuges.

High, stable humidity is essential; too dry an environment causes pyramiding and respiratory problems. Humid areas (sphagnum) and regular misting/watering.

A deep, loose substrate that retains moisture, covered with leaf litter to maintain humidity and provide cover. Keep it moist without waterlogging in order to prevent pyramiding and skin/shell problems.

Yes. UVB is essential (T5 HO tube 5-7% or equivalent) above the hot spot, or exposure to unfiltered natural sunlight. An understorey species: provide shaded areas so it can regulate its own exposure. Replace UVB tubes every 6-12 months.

A shallow water bowl permanently available for drinking and bathing (easy access, no risk of drowning). Regular lukewarm baths, especially for juveniles, to ensure hydration.

The Amazon basin and northern South America (Brazil, the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Trinidad); lowland tropical rainforest and forest edges.

Omnivore / frugivore (predominantly frugivorous) — Slow invertebrates (snails, slugs, worms) and carrion, in occasional amounts

Base: varied fallen fruit, mushrooms, flowers, foliage and plants; it grazes less than savannah tortoises. Animal protein very occasionally (about once a week or less). Supplement regularly with calcium (+/- D3). Avoid excess protein and overly sugary diets; do not routinely feed dog/cat food.

Clutch 4–12 eggs/young. Large spherical eggs; several clutches per year are possible in a tropical setting. A CITES-listed species (Appendix II; EU: Annex B): legal documents are mandatory for keeping and transfer. Favour captive-bred animals, as wild-caught specimens are fragile, stressed and often heavily parasitised.

• Osteodystrophy / MBD (deficiency in calcium, D3 or insufficient UVB)
• Shell pyramiding (too-low humidity, excess protein, overly rapid growth)
• Respiratory infections (temperature too low or a dry environment)
• Heavy internal parasitism (common in wild-caught specimens)
• Dehydration and renal/bladder complications (stones)