Sulcata Tortoise

Sulcata tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) are also known as the African spurred tortoise. They are giant terrestrial reptiles with a thick, domed shell, large overlapping scales on the front legs, spurs on the rear legs, a slightly hooked upper mandible, and serrated anterior and posterior marginal scutes. The shell is light brown to yellow in color, with older individuals showing noticeable growth rings on each scute. The plastron is ivory-colored.

The skin is light to medium yellow-brown. Sulcata tortoises are among the largest tortoises in the world. Although females are generally smaller than males, these tortoises can still grow 24-30″/61-76cm long and weigh between 70-110lbs/32-50kg on average, although particularly large males can reach over 40″/102cm and 200lbs/91kg. 

Sulcata tortoises are native to the southern Sahara area of Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania in the west to Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia in the east. Here they have adapted to making the most of hot, arid desert or dry savannah-type habitats. Tortoises are well-known for being long-lived, and sulcatas are no exception! Although this species is fairly hardy, their lifespan, activity level, and care requirements make them a high-commitment pet.

Sources indicate that this species is capable of living for over 70 years when appropriate sulcata tortoise care is provided, so plan on this pet being in your family for a while