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Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise

African Spurred Tortoise

FUN FACTS

  • Sulcata tortoise can reach 24 to 36 inches in length and 100 to 200 pounds of weight.

  • Sulcata tortoise has broad and oval carapace that consists of large scales called scutes. Each scute is covered with growth rings. Number of rings corresponds to the age of tortoise.

  • Sulcata tortoise is also known as spurred tortoise because of two to three conical spurs on the back side of the thighs. Front legs are covered with large scales.

  • Sulcata tortoise is herbivore (plant-eater). Its diet is based on succulent plants and various types of grasses.

  • Sulcata tortoise is crepuscular animal (active at dusk and dawn).

  • Incubation period lasts 90 to 120 days. Hatchlings are 2 to 3 inches long at birth.

  • Sulcata tortoise grows quickly. It doubles its size every three years. Sulcata tortoises reach sexual maturity at the age of 15 years.

  • Sulcata tortoises are popular, but demanding house pets.

  • Sulcata tortoise can survive from 50 to 150 years in the wild.

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