Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis)

Short answers

Chaco tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 180×90 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 180×90 cm (1997 expert report, at 22,5 cm shell length).

Chaco tortoise: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 15–18 °C.

Chaco tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–4).

Chaco tortoise: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 40–70 years.

Chaco tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

15–18 °C

Basking spot

35–40 °C

Humidity

40–60 % (arid to semi-arid)

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 180×90 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 180×90 cm (1997 expert report, at 22,5 cm shell length)

Substrate

Sandy loam they can dig in (they make shallow burrows)

Feeding

Food

Herbivorous: grasses, herbs, cacti and succulents; high in fibre and calcium, little fruit

Feeding interval

plant food daily for adults

Key facts

Adult size

20–30 cm carapace length (usually ~20–25 cm, exceptionally up to 43 cm)

Life expectancy

40–70 years

Origin

Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia (the arid Gran Chaco) – despite the name NOT Chile

Protection status

CITES Appendix II, EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin required

Brumation

A cool winter rest or brumation is typical of the species: several weeks at ~8–12 °C (up to several months in southern populations). For imported or weakened animals avoid full dormancy; a cool rest period supports the cycle

Cohabitation

Keep them singly; the males are territorial and bite or ram. One male plus females only with plenty of space; never two males

Notes

Active at digging; a clear cold rest matters for health and reproduction. No permanent damp (otherwise shell and respiratory problems). A dry, warm but not overheated climate.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) – Intermediate
• Yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulata) – Intermediate
• Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) – Expert
• Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys) – Intermediate to expert
• Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) – Intermediate
• Forsten's tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii) – Expert
• Elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) – Intermediate
• Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 180×90 cm floor space for one animal; for a pair from 180×90 cm (1997 expert report, at 22,5 cm shell length)), substrate (Sandy loam they can dig in (they make shallow burrows)), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.