African Spurred Tortoise

Class: Reptiles

Order: Turtles

Family: Testudinidae (Land Tortoises)

Weight: Up to 105 kg

Height: About 30 cm

Body length: Up to 83 cm

Coloration: Uniformly brownish-yellow

Age of sexual maturity: The African spurred tortoise reaches sexual maturity when its shell is 35-40 cm long and its weight approaches 15-20 kg. This typically occurs at 10-12 years for females and 3-4 years later for males.

Incubation period: Incubation at 30-32°C lasts 99-103 days.

Lifespan: Up to 70 years or more

Habitat range: The range of the African spurred tortoise covers central Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia. It primarily inhabits savannas and deserts.

Diet: Primarily herbivorous, but occasionally consumes protein from animal sources. In captivity, they eat various vegetables, fruits, grass, and hay. They can go without water for long periods but drink eagerly when it is available.

Did you know?

• The African spurred tortoise is the sole surviving member of the ancient genus Centrochelys.
• In Senegal, the African spurred tortoise is a symbol of virtue, happiness, fertility, and longevity.