African Tortoise

The African Tortoise, commonly known as the African Spurred Tortoise or Sulcata Tortoise, is a true heavyweight of the tortoise world! These gentle giants can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh over 100 pounds, making them the third-largest tortoise species on the planet. Their sandy-colored, rugged shells and thick, scaly legs help them blend into their desert surroundings. One of their standout features is the large spurs on their hind legs—which is where the “spurred” name comes from!

These tortoises are native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, stretching across countries like Chad, Sudan, and Ethiopia. It’s a tough place to live, but African Tortoises are built for it. They’re experts at surviving hot, dry conditions and will often dig deep burrows—sometimes over 10 feet long—to escape the extreme heat. They spend the hottest part of the day underground and come out in the cooler mornings and evenings to graze. Even though their habitat might seem harsh, they thrive in scrublands, savannas, and dry grasslands.

African Tortoises are herbivores with big appetites! They eat grasses, leaves, flowers, and even cacti, getting most of their water from the plants they munch. These tortoises play an important role in their ecosystem by spreading seeds through their droppings and helping to keep plant growth in check. Though they’re solitary most of the time, they can be quite interactive with keepers in zoos, often following people around or gently nudging for treats. With their impressive size, strong personalities, and slow-but-steady lifestyle, they’re a favorite among animal lovers of all ages!

African Tortoise

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