The African spurred tortoise is the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Galapagos tortoise and Aldabra Giant Tortoise, and is the largest of the mainland tortoises.
These tortoises dig burrows in the ground so that during the hottest, and coolest, parts of the day they can stay at the correct temperature and humidity. All four of our African spurred tortoises were given to the park as unwanted pets after it was realised how large they grow and the specialist care they require.
We urge anyone considering acquiring a reptile to do their research and make sure they know what they are letting themselves in for.
Scientific Name:
Centrochelys sulcata
Status:
Vulnerable
Size:
Up to 90cm
Weight:
36-50kg
Life Span in Wild:
50 to 80 years
Habitat:
Desert fringes to dry savannahs
Diet:
Herbivore
Grasses and leaves
Widespread in Northern Africa, inhabits southern edge of the Sahara desert.
Humans
Crepuscular, Terrestrial
Habitat loss is one of the major reasons that numbers have declined mainly due to urbanisation and over grazing by domestic livestock. This species is also eaten by nomadic tribes and used to make longevity potions in Japan. They are also captured and kept as pets in Europe and North America.
