Sulcata tortoise (its other name) is also the world’s third largest tortoise species. These species are the only ones extant in the genus, Centrochelys.The African Spurred Tortoise is currently listed as Vulnerable according to the IUCN. Only the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise are bigger. Sulcata tortoise inhabits deserts, dry savannas and hot, arid areas. After Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, these tortoises are the world’s largest mainland species of tortoise. Sulcatas can grow to be well over 230 lbs., and live as long as 70 years! They generally consume high amounts of fiber, and very low amounts of protein. It can be found in the southern parts of Sahara. However they will reach a length of 6-10 in (15–25 cm) in few years. The sulcata tortoises are polygynous breeders. The sulcata is found in the Sahara desert and weighs up to 200 pounds and lives for up to 100 years. The time interval between each egg is 3 minutes. African Spurred tortoise, It is the world's third and mainland first largest tortoise in the world. Your email address will not be published. The turtle is mainly found in the southern part of Sahara Desert. Fully grown, they weigh in at a hefty 230 lbs.! In the wild, the egg hatches on an average of 100-120 days. The African spurred tortoise, also known as the sulcata, is the third largest tortoise and one of the most popular to have as a pet. The African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is a large turtle species. Sulcatas can grow to be well over 230 lbs., and live as long as 70 years! Females will begin to search for nesting sites about two months after mating. When the weather is too hot or cold for the African spurred tortoise, they go into a burrow. Usually, the growth rate varies with their diet, environment, and enclosure. After Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, these tortoises are the world’s largest mainland species of tortoise. In addition to grass, they also eat flowers, cactus pads, leaves, and dandelions. They also fall prey to nomadic tribes who see them as a food source. This is because of the ‘sticky outy’ bits (technical term), or spurs, on its hind legs. The boundaries should also have protections underground to prevent escapes. Our membership means we share knowledge with leading zoos across the UK and Europe, and we learn from them too. Moreover, they are typically active during dusk and dawn. The length of the young tortoises is 2 – 3 inches at birth. Because they live in such an inhospitable region, sulcata tortoises do not typically interact with humans. She is extremely selective about her nesting site, and may take as long as two weeks to choose the perfect spot. Sulcata tortoise is herbivore (plant-eater). Juvenile sulcata tortoises are hatched at 2 inches in carapace size. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Activity of sulcata tortoise depends on the season. This species plastrons are ivory in color. In the wild, their primary sources of food are grasses. It is not uncommon for the owners of these creatures to underestimate the commitment required for their care. Found only in north Africa on the southern edge of the Sahara desert these prehistoric looking creatures are under threat. They’re herbivores, so that means they eat grasses and plants. They’re that aggressive that from the moment they hatch from their eggs they’re trying to get ‘one over’, quite literally, on their siblings by trying to flip them on their backs…charming! They can also perform better in captivity provided the temperature and food are just what the doctor orders. They are efficient burrowers, and commonly escape yards and enclosures because of this. The breeding occurs in the months of September to November. It doubles its size every three years. They are one of the largest tortoises in the world. This is why they are classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. A professional writer and a passionate wildlife enthusiast, who is mostly found hooked to his laptop or in libraries researching about the wildlife. Plants and green matter form the essential part of their diet. When they finally do, they drink 15% of their body weight. Generally, sulcata tortoises do not make good pets. They spend much of their daytime digging burrows in order to reach the wetlands. They occupy steppes and thorny grassland habitats in African countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Senegal. Males are known to be slightly larger than females. Another threat this species face is human consumption. Moments after laying, the female begins to cover all the eggs by burying them in sand. They are also captured for international trade. African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) inhabits Sahara desert of Africa. Sulcata tortoise is also known as spurred tortoise because of two to three conical spurs on the back side of the thighs. They take out the loose soil while urinating into the depression—signal that shows that the site is suitable for laying eggs. African spurred turtles can be in real danger when they fall on their back, especially in very high weather. Males are surprisingly confrontational, and will fight one another for dominance and the admiration of females. Sulcata tortoise can reach 24 to 36 inches in length and 100 to 200 pounds of weight. We all love baby animals, but for us it's about more than the ahh factor, With your support, we've been helping with a project to reintroduce Amur leopards to the wild, This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience possible.

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