Centrochelys sulcata (Sulcata Tortoise)

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African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) in the garden

Centrochelys sulcata, commonly known as the African spurred tortoise, is the largest tortoise of the African mainland. Its significant size and distinctive bumpy, spiky carapace make it a unique species within the arid and semi-arid regions it inhabits.

Native To These Regions

Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Testudinidae
  • Genus: Centrochelys
  • Species: C. sulcata

Common Names

  • African Spurred Tortoise
  • Sulcata Tortoise
  • Spur Tortoise

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Identification

  • Description: Centrochelys sulcata has a large, dome-shaped shell with prominent growth rings on each scute. Its skin and shell are predominantly tan to yellow in color. Adults can grow up to 83 cm in length and weigh as much as 105 kg.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally larger and have longer, more curved gular horns beneath the chin than females. Their plastron is also concave to aid in mating.

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to the Sahara Desert and the Sahelian savannas of Africa, including countries like Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Sudan, and parts of Ethiopia.

Preferred Habitat

Centrochelys sulcata is well-adapted to live in arid, hot environments, preferring the dry savannah and desert margins where it can burrow to escape extreme temperatures.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: Primarily herbivorous, consuming grasses, herbs, weeds, and flowers. They are known to occasionally eat small insects or carrion.
  • Predators: Predation is mainly a threat to juveniles and includes various birds of prey, hyenas, and wild dogs. Adults have few natural predators due to their size and protective shell.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy season when food is plentiful.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay between 15 to 30 eggs in a deep, sandy nest. Eggs hatch after about eight months, depending on temperature.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
  • Threats: Habitat loss, over-collection for the pet trade, and climate change are the primary threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Protected areas and legal protections are in place in several countries. Captive breeding programs and international trade regulations (CITES Appendix II) help manage populations.

Economic Importance

Centrochelys sulcata is popular in the exotic pet trade. It is also used in ecotourism and educational programs, helping raise awareness about the species and its conservation.

Interesting Facts

  • They can live for more than 70 years.
  • Known for creating extensive burrows, sometimes as long as 10 meters, which can also be used by other animals.

Research Studies

A notable study on Centrochelys sulcata is titled “Body size development of captive and free-ranging African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata): High plasticity in reptilian growth rates” which provides insights into their growth patterns in different environments.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.