Hidden Diversity in the Red-footed Tortoise
A continent-wide genomic study to reveal hidden lineages and guide conservation
The Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is one of the most widely distributed tortoises in the world, ranging across more than 11 countries and an extraordinary variety of environments—from the flooded savannas of the Orinoco basin to the arid Chaco and the tropical dry forests of northern South America. Despite this enormous range, the species has long been treated as a single taxon. Yet Red-footed Tortoises vary strikingly in color, shape, and size, and early genetic studies have revealed several deeply divergent lineages. This raises a critical question for conservation: Is the Red-footed Tortoise really one species, or a complex of multiple, unrecognized lineages?
Widespread species like the Red-footed Tortoise often hide cryptic diversity—genetically distinct groups that look similar on the surface but have been evolving separately for millions of years. Across its range, the red-footed tortoise occupies drastically different habitats and faces uneven pressures from habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. As a result, some populations are relatively stable while others are Endangered or even Critically Endangered.
Our project provides the most comprehensive genetic assessment of the red-footed tortoise to date. By sampling individuals from major ecoregions—including previously unstudied regions—we combine whole-genome resequencing and ddRADseq to examine genetic structure, lineage divergence, and the evolutionary history of populations across the continent.
This range-wide genomic perspective will help determine whether the Red-footed Tortoise contains multiple evolutionarily distinct lineages and identify the conservation units that matter most for protecting the species. These findings are essential for guiding regional conservation strategies, informing international policy, and ensuring that management efforts reflect the true biological diversity of this iconic yet increasingly threatened tortoise.
Key Species
Key Species
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