R. annulata is found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

A laying consists of only one or two eggs that are approximately 3.5 by 7 centimeters long.

When the young turtles crawl out of the egg, they are already relatively large and have a shield length of approximately 6.3 cm.

The brown tortoise is a herbivore that feeds on parts of plants such as leaves and various seeds.

At night the turtle hides among the leaves, while the water is sought to cool down in the heat.