Brutus

Sulcata Tortoise

Species Name

• Geochelone sulcata• AKA: Africa Spur-Thighed Tortoise– Not the Mediterranean species!

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Habitat

• Southern edge of the Saharan desert– -northern Africa

• transitional ecoregion of semiarid grasslands, savannas, and thorn shrublands

Daily Life

• The tortoise excavates – burrows in the ground

• to get to areas with higher moisture levels• spends the hottest part of the day in these

burrows-aestivation

Size and Life Span

• Third-largest species – Galapagos and Aldabar

• Largest mainland tortoise– 24 to 36 in long (60–90 cm)– Weigh 100-200 lb

• Grow from hatchling size (2-3 in) – to 6-10 in (15–25 cm) within the first years

• Lifespan is about 50-150 years,– they can live much longer.

Diet

• Herbivores• Diets consist • Of grasses and plants– high in fiber – low in protein

Too much protein can cause their shells to take on a pyramidal appearance• Feeding of fruit should be avoided.

Do They Like Pets?

• TURTLE POWER– Hero’s in a half Shell