African Spurred Tortoise
(Centrochelys sulcata)
African Spurred Tortoises are native to the Sahara Desert and the Sahel in Africa. To get to areas with higher moisture, these Tortoises dig burrows which may reach up to 10 feet below the ground where they spend the warmer parts of the day. They then come out when the blistering temperatures have cooled and are a little more comfortable.
FUN FACTS
Animal Class: Reptile.
Distribution: Central and Northern Africa.
Habitat: Dry regions, woodlands, grassland and shrublands.
Diet: Herbivorous.
Appearance: Oval shaped shell that is slightly flat on top.
Size: Up to 65cm.
Lifespan: 150+ years.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable
Population Trend
Unknown
Threats
No major threats
Population
Unknown
Did you know?
African spur thigh tortoises are the third largest species of tortoise in the world after the Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises.
See our African Spur Thighed Tortoise!
We have two African Spur Thighed Tortoises at Ponderosa Zoo and they are called George and Bernie.
Zoo – 01924 235276 / office@ponderosa-centre.co.uk
Lakeside Restaurant – 01924 404604 / lakeside@ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk
Day Care – 01924 404154
Ponderosa Zoo, Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN
Opening Hours 10am – 4pm on weekdays and 10am – 5pm on weekends.
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