The third-largest species of tortoise in the world and the largest of the mainland tortoises. These impressive reptiles are native to the Sahel, a transitional ecozone that skirts the southern fringe of the Sahara Desert, encompassing parts of countries such as Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.
Adapted to life in harsh, arid environments, the African spurred tortoise thrives in semi-arid grasslands, scrublands, and savannah zones, where they can roam in temperatures that would be inhospitable to many other species. In these climates, they exhibit a crepuscular activity pattern, being most active during the cooler temperatures of dusk and dawn. They engage in morning basking sessions to regulate their body temperature, absorbing the sun’s warmth after the cold desert nights.
These tortoises are known for their digging behavior; they create extensive burrows to escape the extreme heat of the day and the cold of the night. These burrows can also serve as microhabitats for other organisms, contributing to the region’s biodiversity.
African spurred tortoises are herbivorous, feeding on various grasses, succulents, and other plant matter. Their diet is high in fiber and relatively low in protein, which is suited to their slow metabolism.
Socially, these tortoises can be quite aggressive, particularly during the breeding season. This aggression is thought to be a natural behavior that establishes dominance and territory, ensuring the strongest genes are passed on to the next generation. Even as hatchlings, they may exhibit combative behaviors, essential survival skills in the wild.
Distribution
Algeria
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Djibouti
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Somalia
Sudan
Togo
YemenDid you know?
- In Senegal, the African spurred tortoise is a sign of virtue, fertility, happiness and longevity.
- This tortoise can last for weeks without water and food, and when it finds water, it can drink as much as 15% of its own body weight.
- An African-spurred tortoise faces danger if it falls onto its back, especially if the temperature is extremely high.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (szie) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
