Red-Footed Tortoise Locality Traits

Marketplace Support Genetics & Species
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Gene Request Form

Facts

Species:
Red-Footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius)

Name of Gene:
Locality Traits for Red-Footed Tortoises (Regional and Country-Based)

First produced by whom:
N/A

Year First Produced:
N/A

Genetics Type (Incdom/Codom/Recessive/Polygenic/etc):
Locality

In complex with other genes?:
N/A

Other names/aliases for it?:
Please see the list of localities at the bottom of this form.

Description:
These traits represent specific regional and country-based localities of Chelonoidis carbonarius populations. Each locality reflects natural or recognized population distributions in South America, as well as borderlands where populations intermingle. These distinctions allow breeders to classify tortoises more precisely based on their origins or ancestry.

For example, I have three red-footed tortoises confirmed from the Guyana/Suriname border. These animals are neither purely Surinamese nor purely Guyanan, but specifically of the Guyana/Suriname Borderlands population. This allows us to respect their unique mixed lineage while differentiating them from strict country-based populations.

There are also five genetically distinct population regions in Chelonoidis carbonarius, with many sub-populations differing only in phenotype. These regional distinctions help breeders maintain locality integrity and better understand red-footed tortoise diversity.

Appearance; What it does/looks like?

  • Head: N/A
  • Body: N/A
  • Belly: N/A
  • Tail: N/A

Proven Lines:
N/A

Related Genes:
N/A

Proven:
Localities are verified based on their natural geographic ranges and distinctions commonly accepted by herpetological experts and breeders.

Unique:
These locality traits are unique to regional populations of Chelonoidis carbonarius and are not morphs. They enable breeders to categorize tortoises more precisely and transparently.

Problems:
None. This addition standardizes the way localities are represented for red-footed tortoises on MorphMarket, reducing ambiguity and confusion. E.g. The commonly known cherryhead would be appropriately labeled as Eastern, Brazil

History:
The distinctions between regional and country-based localities have long been recognized in the reptile trade and herpetological studies. The inclusion of these traits reflects growing interest in maintaining locality integrity and transparency within the red-footed tortoise community.

Disagreement or Controversy:
No major disagreement, but the concept of “borderland” regions may be less familiar to some breeders. This terminology helps clarify populations that overlap geographically.

References:

For the range map listed above, please note that the following ranges are now recognized as:

  • Colombian → Northern: Composed of Colombia (primarily eastern and southern regions) and Venezuela
  • Panamanian → Northwestern: Composed of Panama and Colombia (western regions, closer to Panama)
  • Guyanan → Northeastern: Composed of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Northern Brazil (border areas of the Guiana Shield)
  • Brazilian → Eastern: Composed of Brazil, particularly southeastern regions
  • Gran Chaco → Southern: Composed of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Northern Argentina, with some overlap into Southern Brazil

Major Genetic Regions (General Localities)

  • Northern
  • Northwestern
  • Northeastern
  • Eastern
  • Southern

Country-Specific Localities

  • Brazil
  • Bolivia
  • Colombia
  • French Guiana
  • Guyana
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Suriname
  • Venezuela

Holotype Locality

  • Guiana Shield

Borderlands Localities

  • Brazil/Bolivia Borderlands
  • Brazil/Colombia Borderlands
  • Brazil/Guiana Shield Borderlands
  • Brazil/Paraguay Borderlands
  • Brazil/Venezuela Borderlands
  • Colombia/Panama Borderlands
  • Colombia/Venezuela Borderlands
  • French Guiana/Suriname Borderlands
  • Guyana/Suriname Borderlands
  • Guyana/Venezuela Borderlands
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