ABOUT THE African Spurred Tortoise
The African spurred tortoise, also called the Sulcata Tortoise, is the largest mainland tortoise, easily reaching 30 inches (76 centimetres) in length and well over 100 pounds (45kg) in weight. Some males even reach 200 pounds (90kg).
These tortoises live in burrows and are mostly active during the rainy season when the plants flourish. They are a cold-blooded animal, so after a cold night spend the morning sunbathing to warm up, before moving to find food. They are a solitary species and can behave very aggressively towards each other.
During the breeding season the males will become more aggressive than usual, ramming each other repeatedly, which will sometimes cause serious injuries.
The female will dig out a selection of burrows before deciding which one she will use. After laying her eggs the female buries them.
The spurred tortoise is classed as Vulnerable by the ICUN and is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanisation and over grazing by livestock.
It can take up to 15 years for a tortoise to mature and breed, so there are concerns that there population may not be able to recover.
Did you know
They are a cold-blooded animal, so after a cold night spend the morning sunbathing to warm up
WHAT THEY EAT: Herbivores, grasses, flowers, weeds & cacti
HABITAT: Deset, Savannah
JFWP Animal Experience: Yes. Find more about Meerkat & Tortoise Experiences »
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