African spurred tortoise

Centrochelys sulcata

African spurred tortoise is the largest tortoise in Africa and the third largest in the world. It inhabits the dry regions south of the Sahara and is exceptionally well adapted to extreme heat. Its name comes from the prominent, spur-like scales on its hind legs.

African spurred tortoises dig deep burrows to escape the intense heat. Their digging also helps aerate the soil, influencing the ecosystem around them. These robust herbivores can thrive on sparse vegetation and feed mainly on grasses, thorny plants and dry leaves, an ideal diet for life in their harsh, arid habitat.