African Spurred Tortoise Centrochelys (prev. Geochelone) sulcata
The African Spurred Tortoise, also called the Sulcata Tortoise, is the third largest tortoise in the world after the two Giant Tortoises
of Galapagos and the Indian Ocean.
It is the largest "mainland" tortoise and is native to desert and semi-desert habitat of the southern Sahara and the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa.
It is the largest "mainland" tortoise and is native to desert and semi-desert habitat of the southern Sahara and the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa.
Like other large tortoises, they are long-lived, and can reach over 100 years in the wild.
The spurs on the thighs.
They are herbivores eating grass, weeds and dry vegetation.
Too rich a diet can result in shell deformity.
" 'Race you!"
"This big."
Pair of Sulcatas.
A "dog in the manger".
The female digs a hole in the sand to lay her eggs.
Young Sulcatas.
A young Sulcata Tortoise.
A baby Sulcata Tortoise.
They are classed as vulnerable.