Kura Kaki Kuning
NAMA | NAME
KURA KAKI KUNING
YELLOW-FOOTED TORTOISE
(Chelonoidis denticulatus)
TAKSONOMI | TAXONOMY
Kerajaan Animalia Kingdom
Filum Chordata Phylum
Kelas Reptilia Class
Ordo Testudines Order
Famili Testudinidae Family
Genus Chelonoidis Genus
Geochelone denticulata, umumnya dikenal sebagai kura kaki kuning, adalah spesies kura asli Amerika Selatan. Meskipun tidak secara khusus ditemukan di Indonesia, dia adalah spesies yang menarik untuk dipelajari. Kura kaki kuning dikenal karena sisik kuningnya yang khas di kakinya, yang memberi mereka nama umumnya. Mereka memiliki karapas (cangkang) berkubah tinggi yang biasanya berwarna cokelat tua atau hitam, dengan tekstur kasar dan sedikit bergerigi di sepanjang tepinya dan sedikit warna kuning di ujung-ujung. Plastron (bagian bawah cangkang) biasanya berwarna kuning atau cokelat. Kura ini termasuk spesies terbesar di Amerika Selatan, dengan kura dewasa mencapai panjang 40-50 cm dan berat hingga 16 kg. Mereka memiliki umur yang relatif panjang, seringkali hidup selama lebih dari 50 tahun di penangkaran.
Geochelone denticulata, commonly known as the yellow-footed tortoise, is a species of tortoise native to South America. While it is not specifically found in Indonesia, it is a fascinating species worth exploring. Yellow-footed tortoises are known for their distinctive yellow scales on their feet, which give them their common name. They have a high, domed carapace (shell) that is typically dark brown or black, with a rough texture and slight serrations along the edges with a hint of yellow at the edges. The plastron (underside of the shell) is usually yellow or tan in color. These tortoises are among the largest species in South America, with adults reaching lengths of 40-50 cm and weighing up to 16 kg. They have a relatively long lifespan, often living for over 50 years in captivity.
DISTRIBUSI DAN HABITAT | DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Kura kaki kuning menghuni berbagai lingkungan di Amerika Selatan, termasuk hutan hujan tropis, padang rumput, dan sabana. Mereka lebih menyukai daerah yang dekat dengan sumber air.
Yellow-footed tortoises inhabit a range of environments in South America, including tropical rainforests, grasslands, and savannas. They prefer areas close to water sources.
DIET DAN NUTRISI | DIET AND NUTRITION
Kura ini merupakan hewan omnivora, memakan berbagai bahan tanaman seperti daun, buah, bunga, dan rerumputan. Mereka juga mengonsumsi buah-buahan yang jatuh dan bangkai secara oportunistik. Kura kaki kuning memainkan peran penting dalam ekosistem mereka. Mereka membantu membubarkan benih dengan mengonsumsi buah-buahan dan kemudian mengeluarkan benih di lokasi yang berbeda. Liang mereka juga menyediakan tempat berlindung bagi berbagai hewan kecil dan berkontribusi pada aerasi tanah.
These tortoises are primarily omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plant material such as leaves, fruits, flowers, and grasses. They also consume fallen fruits and carrion opportunistically. Yellow-footed tortoises play an essential role in their ecosystems. They help disperse seeds by consuming fruits and then excreting the seeds in different locations. Their burrows also provide shelter for various small animals and contribute to soil aeration.
SIFAT UTAMA DAN FAKTA UNIK | KEY TRAITS AND FUN FACTS
Kura kaki kuning sebagian besar aktif di siang hari, menghabiskan sebagian besar waktunya untuk mencari makan. Mereka dikenal karena gerakannya yang lambat dan disengaja, tetapi secara mengejutkan bisa sangat gesit bila diperlukan. Mereka memiliki indra penciuman dan penglihatan yang sangat baik.
Yellow-footed tortoises are predominantly active during the day, spending much of their time foraging for food. They are known for their slow and deliberate movement, but can surprisingly be quite agile when necessary. They have an excellent sense of smell and vision.
STATUS KONSERVASI | CONSERVATION STATUS
Menurut International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), kura kaki kuning terdaftar sebagai spesies “Rentan.” Ancaman utama terhadap populasinya termasuk hilangnya habitat dan degradasi akibat urbanisasi, pertanian, dan polusi. Selain itu, koleksi kura untuk perdagangan hewan peliharaan menimbulkan ancaman signifikan bagi kelangsungan hidup mereka.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the yellow-footed tortoise is listed as “Vulnerable” species. The main threats to its population include habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and pollution. Additionally, the collection of turtles for the pet trade poses a significant threat to their survival.