Geochelone chilensis-  Chaco tortoise        Origin: South America

This is the third and most rare of the mainland South American species in terms of captive specimens.  Unlike the denticulata and carbonaria, this species is found in dry grasslands in SA.  There are two simple rules that I utilize with this species.

1. Do not trim their beaks.  Utilize cuttlebone for them to gnaw on and keep their beaks at a reasonable size.  There have been reports of people losing their animals within a short period of time after doing beak trims with this species.

2. Do not combine this species with any other.  This rule should apply to ALL tortoise species but is particularly true with chilensis in my experience.   I know someone who mixed their animals with carbonaria and lost both animals within a year of doing so.

Unfortunately, there are very few members of this species in the United States.   The ones that are here are generally not in breeding groups which further limits their futures in captivity.  Fortunately, wild populations of chilensis appear to be stable.

Links to further information on G. chilensis:

The most complete care article on chilensis on the web including medical aspects/pictures: http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Gchilensiscare.htm

Recent information and pictures at the most complete chelonian site on the web: World Chelonian Trust- www.chelonia.org

husbandry article:  http://www.sonic.net/melissk/chaco.html

husbandry article:  http://www.desertserpents.com/chacotort.htm

husbandry article: http://www.reptilemall.com/caresheets/chaco.html

basic background:  http://www.rmplc.co.uk/eduweb/sites/bcgonweb/southam.html

Exploitation article: http://www.nytts.org/proceedings/waller2.htm

pictures:  http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~slowcoach/slow/gallery/chaco/gal_chac.html