African Spurred Tortoise: Reptile Profile

The African Spurred Tortoise is the world's largest mainland tortoise. In their life span of over 100 years, the African Spurred Tortoise can grow to 30 inches and 140 - 200 pounds. The hatchling will fit in the palm of the hand. However, growth is rapid with them doubling in size each year the first 3 years. At 5 years of age, the African Spurred Tortoise will already weigh 50 pounds.

The odd thing is even with this great size, they are the most commonly purchased pet tortoise in North America. Unfortunately, many of their pet owners don't realize how large the African Spurred Tortoise will grow. This means many of them are given to someone else or just let go in the wild where most mean an unpleasant fate quickly.

They are found in the Sahara desert of Africa. As you could guess, they do poorly in cold or damp weather. The temperature should be between 72-90 and under 60 can result in death rather quickly. Damp weather can lead to respiratory problems for the African Spurred Tortoise.

In the wild, the African Spurred Tortoise will enjoy an enormous grassy diet. They can eat up to 5 pounds of food daily. The African Spurred Tortoise is important to deserts because their burrows provide shelter to other animals in the Sahara.

If they are to be kept successfully in captivity, it is best to keep them outside in pens as much as possible. Natural sunlight is essential to the overall long term well being of the African Spurred Tortoise. The pen needs to be heated if the temperatures fall below the desirable range. In addition, the pen needs a top to keep predators out and barriers to stop them from digging out. These barriers need to be at least 6" deep to be effective. Unlike many tortoises, the African Spurred Tortoise does not hibernate, but just slows down during cold weather.