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Chaco / Argentine Tortoise
scientific name: Geochelone chilensis
| Cites status: | Cites Appendix II, obligation to keep records and to register! |
| Geographical Extension: | Southwest Bolivia, west Paraguay and north-west of Argentina to the province of North Patagonia. |
| Habitat: | Dry bush landscapes, open savannas and pampas areas and dry deciduous forests with large seasonal temperature and rainfall variability. |
| Size: | Carapace length usually less than 25 cm but also can reach over 40 cm. The subspecies petersi stays with a maximum of 25-32 cm much smaller. |
| Life Expectancy: | over 50 years |
| Reproduction: | 2-3 clutchs a year with 2-3 eggs |
| Temperature: | Air temperature between 25-28°C, local up to 45°C by using a Spot Lamps. Night setback to room temperature. |
| Humidity: | Depending on season between 60 -90%, but usually relatively dry. |
| Lighting: | As basic ligthing we recommend the Daylight Sun T5 in ocmbination with Light Strip additional as a heat and UV source the Bright Sun UV Desert. |
| Substrate: | Loose and absorbent substrate, e.g. Eco Bark or Coconut Bark Chips or a mixture of Reptile Cannabis Bedding and Coconut soil. Also Lucky Reptile Sand Bedding can be used, but the better option is Desert Bedding. |
| Cage Furniture: | Shelter facilities for example stones, roots and a large flat Water Dishes. |
| Terrarium Size (for long term care): | The minimum requirements are 8x4 times the carapace. Can be kept in summer outdoor. |
| food: | Additional to special Tortoise Food primarily weeds, seeding and tillers, like Flower Mix, also Herb Cobs and Herp Diner Turtle Blend from the series of Herp Diner Cans Series. As well earthworms can be fed. It is important to give regular Mineral and Vitamines, especially Cuttlefish Bone is a good choice. |
| Comment: | relatively peaceful species, which can be kept in groups |