| SPURRED THIGH TORTOISE |
| Geochelone sulcata |
|
Range:
|
Southern Sahara desert region ranging from Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Sudan, and Ethiopia. |
The African spur thigh tortoise is a uniform color of brown to golden yellow color. Growth rings on each scute appear on the carapace. There are also well-defined spurs on the rear legs, which gives it its name African spur thigh tortoise. The skin is thick which may serve to reduce fluid loss through transpiration.
|
| Habitat: |
Desert region. |
| Diet: |
Plants. They do not drink water, they extract it from the food they eat. |
| Status: |
Vulnerable (IUCN) |
| Approximate Dimensions of Adult: |
Weight: 70-100 lbs.
Height: 18 inches (shell length) |
| Lifespan: |
Up to 150 years is common. |
| Reproduction & Offspring: |
n/a |
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