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African spurred tortoise

A species of Centrochelys
Scientific name : Centrochelys sulcata Genus : Centrochelys

African spurred tortoise, A species of Centrochelys
Scientific name: Centrochelys sulcata
Genus: Centrochelys
African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) Photo By yeowatzup , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

The African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), also called the sulcata tortoise, is a species of tortoise, which inhabits the southern edge of the Sahara desert, in Africa. It is the third-largest species of tortoise in the world, the largest species of mainland tortoise, and the only extant species in the genus Centrochelys.

General Info

Lifespan

50-100 years

Diet

African spurred tortoise primarily feeds on a variety of grasses, which constitute the bulk of its diet. Also, they favor leafy vegetables, fruits, and a minimal share of protein through invertebrates.

Appearance

The african spurred tortoise is a large, heavy-bodied tortoise with a rough, dome-shaped carapace known for diagonal furrowing. Its skin is thick and filled with conical spurs, particularly noticeable on its limbs. This species comes in a palette of earthy hues, ranging from tan to brown. Its tail bears a distinguishable horny piece. The african spurred tortoise shows minor sexual dimorphism: males have longer tails and are slightly larger than females.

Behavior

African spurred tortoise exhibits a diurnal pattern, active during the day while sleeping at night. This species is solitary, with territorial males often engaging in aggressive encounters. They are known to dig burrows for wear regulation and protection, and their herbivorous diet consists primarily of grasses and leafy plants. Interaction with humans has resulted in this species adapting to different environments.

Population

Decreasing
African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) Photo By yeowatzup , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Scientific Classification

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